GLOSSARY
OF
TERMS USED IN COAL MINING.
BY
WILLIAM STUKELBY GRESLEY,
ASSOC. MEM. INST. CIVIL ENGINEERS, F.G.S., MEM. NORTH OF ENGLAND INSTITUTE OF
MINING AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, ETC. ETC. ETC.
ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS WOODCUTS AND DIAGRAMS.
LONDON:
E. & F. N. SPON, 16, CHARING CROSS.
NEW YORK: 35, MURRAY STREET.
1883.
B&uate*
WITH SINCERE AFFECTION AND RESPECT TO THE
MEMORY- OF THE LATE
JOHN THOMAS WOODHOUSE, ESQ.,
H.INST.C.E., F.G.S., M.N.E.I.M.E., M.I.. AND 8.I., M.S.E., A.I.N.A., ETC.
PEEFACE.
THE Compiler of the following Glossary of Terms
used in connection with the mining of coal and other
minerals had at first no intention of publishing his work.
He merely collected, arranged, and classified the
various local and provincial mining terms and phrases
as they came under his notice, for his own personal
curiosity and use. At the request of several friends,
however, he has decided to go more minutely and
carefully into the subject, and has made an attempt to
give to the mining community, and others interested
in the science of coal mining, the result of a much
closer investigation into the study of the provincialisms
and technicalities of the mining districts of this country ;
and although conscious of its many defects, he now
ventures to offer to the scientific public the accom-
panying compendium of the terms employed in the
mining of coal and other stratified minerals.
It is also hoped that many of the terms have been
explained in such a manner as not only to give a
meaning, as clear and concise as is possible under the
circumstances, but also to convey to students and others
VI PREFACE.
engaged in the mining profession some information, in
detail, as to the several methods, operations, systems,
appliances, statistics, &c., used in connection with the
winning, working, and disposal of Coal, which has so
often been described as the " Mainspring of Civilisation,"
and which, owing to the bountiful munificence of the
Creator and Giver of all good things, has made Great
Britain what she is, viz. by far the largest producer,
hitherto, of that mineral in the world.
OVEBSEAL, ASHBT DE LA ZOTJCH,
December, 1882.
INTRODUCTION.
IN introducing the reader to the contents of this little
work, it may be well in the first place to give some ex-
planation of the method adopted in compiling it, and
to mention some of the sources from whence many of the
words and phrases have been obtained.
As many of the terms treated of have been gathered
from journals, reports, and transactions of mining insti-
tutes, &c.. it is not improbable that several inaccuracies
may be met with, the meaning given not being in all
cases so explicit as the Compiler could have wished ; but
by the exercise of much care and considerable labour,
he believes that they have been reduced to a very few.
Any one who will be good enough to favour the
Compiler with terms, &c., omitted or hitherto unknown
to him, or with corrected and more accurate information,
will be greatly assisting to improve, complete, and
enhance the value of a subsequent edition, should it be
called for.
It has been thought well to insert many terms which
now are or are rapidly becoming obsolete, because it
seemed unnecessary and impossible to draw a hard and
Vlll INTRODUCTION.
fast line between them — obsolete words being interest-
ing if not instructive to many.
To some terms a historical fact or addition has been
included, by way of imparting information to the
uninitiated.
As to words made use of in great number and variety
in reference to Strata, or the names given to various
beds of rock met with in the course of mining, these
are so intimately mixed up with many of the terms
used underground, that to exclude them would have
been unfair.
With reference to the fact that very many terms have
more than one, in some instances eight or ten, separate
meanings, and that a single article, &c., may have as
many as twelve or fourteen different names by which it
is called, it must be understood that the numbers
(1, 2, 3, &c.) placed immediately after a word refer to
corresponding numbers under the head of which the
explanation of the particular term will be found, e. g.
" The box at the head (1) end has only one garland (2)
upon it." By looking out the word head under No. 1 ex-
planation, and garland under No. 2 meaning, will at
once give the reader an idea of the system upon which
the whole book is drawn up.
Again, with regard to machinery and mechanical
appliances generally, it has been thought proper to
exclude all technical terms applied to the various parts
of such things as do not refer especially to mining,
for instance : — the words pump, boiler, donkey, fly-
INTRODUCTION. IX
wheel, points, spann&r, cotter, &c., are none of them
included.
A number of terms have been obtained from the coal
districts of Pennsylvania and elsewhere in America, but
some of them are clearly traceable to the north of
England, whence doubtless they originally came. Many
Belgian, French, Prussian, German, Italian, &c., terms
have been inserted, it being thought the better plan to
leave out nothing that might in any way contribute to
the usefulness of the work.
Turning to the sources of information of which the
compiler has been so far able to avail himself, he
hereby desires to acknowledge his thanks to various
authors for giving many technical and local terms, in
their various papers, addresses, books, and so forth,
which he has ventured to make use of. The figures
accompanying the text have, with only one or two
exceptions, been drawn up by the writer expressly for
the work, and he only regrets that this portion of
his labours has been so imperfectly performed. The
following are the principal works and authors con-
sulted: The Transactions of the North of England
Institute of Mining and Mechanical Engineers ; the
Proceedings of the South Wales Institute of Engi-
neers ; the Transactions of the Chesterfield and Derby-
shire Institute of Engineers; the Transactions of the
Mining Institute of Scotland ; the Transactions of the
Manchester Geological Society ; the Transactions of
the Midland Institute of Mining, Civil, and Mechanical
I
X INTRODUCTION.
Engineers; the Annual Keports of H. M. Inspectors of
Mines; the Colliery Guardian newspaper ; Mine Engi-
neering, by G. 0. Greenwell; Mine Engineering, by
G. E. Andre; the Journal of the British Society of
Mining Students ; as well as numerous smaller works
chiefly relating to coal mining. It should, however,
be remarked that the compiler has himself, in the
course of his professional duties, visited nearly all the
coal-fields of Great Britain, thus enabling him to
acquaint himself pretty well with many of the terms
commonly made use of. To compile a complete glossary
of such terms would, it is believed, occupy many years,
even if it were possible to do it at all.
In conclusion it should be said, that besides the
terms and phrases used in coal mining, those used in
connection with the working of ironstone, shale, fireclay,
rock-salt, stone, &c. — in short, stratified mines, have
been freely dealt with.
ABBREVIATIONS.
B. Bristol Coal-field.
Belg. Belgium.
C. Cumberland Coal-field.
Ch. Cheshire Salt Districts.
01. Cleveland Iron Districts.
D. Derbyshire Coal-field.
F. France.
F. D. Forest of Dean Coal-field.
G. Gloucestershire Coal-field.
I. Ireland.
In. India.
It. Italy.
L. Lancashire Coal-field.
Lei. Leicestershire Coal-field.
M. Midland Coal-field.
N. North of England (Northumberland and
Durham).
N. S. North Staifordshire.
N. S. W. New South Wales.
N. W. North Wales.
Pa. Pennsylvania, U. S. A.
Pr. Prussia.
S. Scotland.
Sh. Shropshire.
Som. Somersetshire.
S. S. South Staffordshire.
S. W. South Wales.
Sw. Sweden.
U. S. A. United States of North America.
W. Warwickshire.
Y. Yorkshire.
GLOSSARY
OP
TERMS USED IN COAL MINING, Ac.
A.
ABATTIS (Lei.). Walls or ranges of branch or rough
wood (cord- wood) placed cross ways to keep the under-
ground roads open for ventilation, &c.
ABTHEILUNG (Pr.). A fixed part or district of a
mine assigned to the care of a fire-man or deputy.
ACREAGE KENT. Eoyalty or rent paid by the lessee
for working and disposing of minerals at the rate of so
much per acre. Very frequently this rent is calculated
at so much per foot thick of the seam or mine per acre,
the measurements being taken on the slope or plane of
the coal, &c., and at right angles to the dip.
ADAMANT (N. W.).
ADDLE (N.). To earn.
ADDLINGS (N.). Earnings or wages.
ADIT. An underground level to the surface from
the level of the mine workings, or from part of the way
B
2 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
down the shaft (Fig. 1), generally used for drainage
purposes.
Fig. 1.
ADVENTURERS. The original promoters or specu-
lators in a search for coal, &c.
AEROMETERS. The air pistons of a Struve ventilator.
AEROPHORE. The name given to an apparatus which
will enable a man to enter places in mines filled with
explosive or other deadly gases, work there with
freedom, take with him a light, and remain for an
indefinite time.
AFTER-DAMP. The deadly gases resulting from an
explosion of fire-damp. Chiefly composed of carbonic
acid gas. C02 or carbon 27 per cent. + oxygen 73
per cent.
AGENT. One to whom the general laying out and
supervision of the workings is entrusted by the owner or
lessee. He may have a number of separate collieries
under his care. The wages and contractor's prices are
regulated by him. Any addition or alteration in the
various departments connected both with the under-
ground and surface works, machinery, &c., must
generally be sanctioned by him. He is responsible to
the owner as well as under the Coal Mines Regulation
Act for the appointment of competent managers,
engineivrigJits, deputies, surveyors, &c. See Viewer.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 3
AIR. 1. The current of atmospheric air circulating
through and ventilating the workings of a mine.
2. To ventilate any portion of the workings.
AIR-BOX. A rectangular wooden pipe or tube made
in lengths of say 9 to 15 feet for ventilating a heading
or a sinking pit.
AIR-COURSE. Any underground roadway used for
the special purpose of ventilation.
AIR-CROSSING. A bridge which carries one air-course
over another. In collieries liable to heavy explosions,
in order to prevent as far as possible the Hast from
destroying these air-crossings and deranging the venti-
lation, it is better to avoid the use of the ordinary
Fig. 2.
timber or even masonry bridge, and to make an entirely
isolated air-course several yards above the underneath
road, and if a seam of coal be conveniently situated in
which to construct it, it will not be an expensive plan.
See Fig. 2. (The dotted lines show the position of an
ordinary crossing.)
AIR-END WAY. Headways or levels driven in the
coal seam parallel with a main level, chiefly for the
purpose of ventilation or for the return air. They are
connected with the main level by openings or thirls.
B 2
4 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
AIR-GATES (M.). Underground roadways used prin-
cipally for ventilative purposes.
AIR-HEAD. See Air-way.
AIRLESS END. The extremity of a stall in long-wall
workings in which there is no current of air, or circula-
tion of ventilation, but which is kept sweet by diffusion,
and by the ingress and egress of tubs, men, &c.
AIR-LEVEL. A level or air-way (return air-way) of
former workings, made use of in subsequent deeper
mining operations for ventilating purposes.
AIR-PIT. A pit-shaft used expressly for ventilation.
AIR-SLIT (Y.). A short head (1) driven more or less at
right angles to, and between other F. 3
two heads or levels for ventilation
purposes.
AIR-SOLLAR. A Irattiee carried
beneath the tram-rails in a heading,
a, Fig. 3.
AIR -WAY. Any underground
gallery or passage through which a portion of the venti-
lation travels or passes.
ALLOWANCE. 1. Kefreshment in the shape of bread
and cheese and beer supplied by the lessees or owners of
a mine to surveyors who dial the workings periodically.
2. Ale sometimes given to workmen on having to
perform work under unusual conditions, e. g. when they
are wet through.
ALLOWANCE COAL. See Colliers coals.
ALL-UPS (Lei.). A mixture of every quality of coal,
excepting fine slack, raised from one seam, and sold as
such.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 5
«
ALL WORK (D.). Term formerly used for Long-
wall, which see.
ALTOGETHER-COAL. Large and small mixed.
ALUM SHALE. Earth containing the mineral alum,
beds of which occasionally occur in the coal measures,
sometimes as an underday.
ANEMOMETER. An instrument for measuring the
velocity of the ventilating current in mines.
ANTHRACITE. A hard, clean, bright, smokeless, and
very pure variety of coal, having a conchoidal fracture,
and burning with little or no flame, but containing very
great local heating properties. It is much esteemed
for malting and steam raising. It frequently contains
over 90 per cent, of carbon ; some of the anthracites of
Pembrokeshire contain as much as 9-i per cent. This
coal weighs from 85 to 99 • 5 Ibs. per cubic foot.
APPARATUS (N.). The screening appliances upon the
pit bank.
ARCHING. Brickwork or stonework forming the roof
of any underground roadway.
ARLES OR EARLES (N.). Earnest money formerly
allowed to colliers at the time of hiring them.
ASCENSIONAL VENTILATION. The arrangement of
the ventilating currents in such-wise that the heated
air shall continuously rise until reaching the bottom of
the upcast shaft. Particularly applicable to steep seams
or rearers.
ASH-BALL (Sh.). Mixed small fragments of greenish
clay, quartz, &c.
6 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
» *~
ATTLE (N.). To arrange or settle.
AUGER-NOSE SHELL. A clearing tool used in boring
for coal, &c., having an auger-shaped end.
AVERAGE CLAUSE. One which, in granting leases of
minerals (coal, ironstone, and clay in particular), pro-
vides that lessees may, during (say) every year of the
term, make up any deficiency in the quantity of coal,
&c., stipulated to be worked, so as to balance the dead
or minimum rent.
AWARD (F. D.). A grant or lease of certain mine-
rals. See Gale.
B.
BACK. 1. A plane of cleavage in coal, &c., having
frequently a smooth parting and some sooty coal in-
cluded in it.
2. The inner end of a heading where work is going
forward or is stopped.
3. (Lei.) "To throw back into the gob or waste, the
small slack, dirt, &c., made in holing.
4. (Lei.) To roll large coals out of a waste for
loading into trams.
BACK-BOARD (Y.). A thirl communicating with the
return air-course often fitted with a regulator.
BACK-BYE (N.). Work performed underground by
the deputies after examining their districts in the pit, in
drawing timbers in abandoned or worked-out places,
repairing brattices, doors, &c., and attending and keep-
ing in order the roadways, &c.
BACK-CASING. A wall or lining of dry bricks used
in sinking through drift deposits, the permanent walling
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 7
being built up within it. In the north of England the
use of timber cribs and planking serves the same
purpose.
BACK-COMING (S.). Working away the pillars left
in, when getting coal inbye.
BACKEN (S. S.). See Back (4).
BACK-END (K). A portion of a jud.
BACKING-DEALS. Deal boards or planking placed at
the back of curbs for supporting the sides of a shaft
liable to run (7).
BACK-LASH. The return or counter blast (1) ; recoil
or backward suction of the air-current produced after
an explosion of fire- damp.
BACK-LYE (S.). A siding or shunt on an under-
ground tramway.
BACK-OVERMAN (N.). A man whose duty it is to see
to the safety of a district of underground workings, and
of the men working in it daring the back-shift.
BACK-SHIFT (N.). A second shift or relay of hewers
in each day, usually commencing work a few hours after
the drawing (3) of coals begins.
BACK-SPLINTING (S.). A system of working a seam
of coal over the goaf and across the packs of a lower
one got in advance upon the long-wall method. Sack-
splinting consists in taking out the upper bed of coal on
either side of a gate road in short faces of say three or
four yards, leaving stoops to protect the roof and roads.
BACK-STAY (Y.). A wrought-iron forked bar attached
to the back of trams when ascending an inclined plane,
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
for throwing the trams off the rails in the event of a
rope or coupling giving way* See Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
BAFF-ENDS. Long wooden wedges for adjusting
tubbing plates or cribs in sinking pits during the opera-
tion of fixing the tubbing.
BAFFLE (M.). To brush out or mix fire-damp with
air in order to render it non-explosive; a dangerous
practice, and not now allowed.
BAFFLER (N. S.). The lever with which the throttle-
valve of a winding engine is worked.
BAFF-WEEK (N.). The week next after the pay
week, if wages are paid fortnightly.
BAG (S. S.). A quantity of fire-damp suddenly given
off from the coal.
BAG COAL. Coal put into coarse canvas bags and
sold in small quantities.
BAG OF FOULNESS (N.). A cavity in a coal seam
filled with fire-damp under a high pressure, which,
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
9
Fig. 5.
when cut into, is given off with much force, and danger
of causing an explosion.
BAILIFF. Name formerly used for manager of a mine.
BAIT (N.). Food taken by a collier during his shift.
BAIT-POKE (N.). A bag for lait.
BALANCE. The counterpoise or weights attached to
the drum of a winding engine, to assist the engine in
lifting the load out of the pit bottom, and in helping it
to slacken speed when
the cage reaches the sur-
face. It consists often of
a bunch of heavy chains
suspended in a shallow
shaft, the chains resting
upon the pit bottom as
unwound off the balance-
drum attached to the
main shaft of the engine.
BALANCE-BOB. A large
beam or lever attached
to the main rods of a
Cornish pumping engine, carrying,
on its outer end, a counterpoise.
See Fig. 5, a.
BALANCE-BROW (N. S.). A self-
acting inclined plane in steep seams,
which is driven on the full rise of
the mine, and down which the tubs
of coal are lowered and the empties
elevated upon a kind of carriage or platform on wheels
actuated by a rope or chain from above. See Fig. 6.
-/TV
10 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
BALANCE-PIT. The pit or shaft in which a lalance
rises and falls.
BALK. 1. A more or less sudden thinning out of a
seam of coal, not unfre- Fig. 7.
quently 100 yards in
width. See diagram,
Fig. 7.
2. A bar of timber for supporting the roof of the
mine, or for carrying any heavy load.
BALL IRONSTONE (S. S.). Strata containing argilla-
ceous ironstone in the form of nodules, which range in
weight up to 15 or 20 cwt.
BALLSTONES (N. S.) Ancient term for ironstone.
BALNSTONE (N.). Stone or rock forming the roof.
BAND (S. S.). 1. A winding rope or chain.
2. A seam or thin stratum of stone, &c., often inter-
stratified with coal.
3. (C.) A bed or seam of coal.
BANDFUL (S. S.). A cage or strictly speaking a
rope load, e.g. a handful of men, by colliers com-
monly pronounced ~bontle.
BANDSMAN (S. S.). A loader or filler of coal, &c.,
underground.
BANGING-PIECES. See Catches.
BANK. 1. The top of the pit, or out of the pit.
2. The surface around the mouth of a shaft.
3. To manipulate coals, &c., on the bank.
4. The whole or sometimes only one side or one end
of a stall or working place underground.
5. (C.) A large heap or stack of mineral on surface.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
11
BANK-HEAD. The upper end of an inclined plane
next to the engine or drum (2), made nearly level.
See Fig. 8.
Fig. 8.
BANK-HOOK (M.). An iron hook with which the
banksman pulls the full tubs off the eagres.
BANKING. 1. (M.) Sorting and loading of coals at
lank (2).
2. (C.) Heaping up minerals on surface for future sale.
BANK LEVEL (Y.). The level heading out of which
banks (4) are worked.
BANK OUT (N.). To stack or stock coals at surface
when short of wagons, &c., to load into.
BANK PLATES. Cast-iron sheets with which a heap-
stead or pit bank is laid or floored for the more expedi-
tious manipulation of the tubs.
BANK-WORK (Y.). A system of working coal in
South Yorkshire (shown in plan in Fig. 9).
Fig. 9.
BANKSMAN. The man in attendance at the pit top
for superintending the work of banking.
12 .A GLOSS AKY OF TERMS
BANKSWOMAN (S. & N. W., S., L.). A female
employed at lank (1) to pick the stones from and
to clean the coals for the market.
BANK TO BANK. A period occupied by a collier
between leaving the lank (1) and returning to same.
A shift.
BANNOCK (Sh.). Brownish grey clay suitable for
making into firebricks.
BANNOCK (S. S.). To hole on the top of a seam.
BANT (U.). A certain number of men, usually three
or four, who in former times, prior to the introduction
of cages and conductors, used to ride up and down in a
pit-shaft, sitting in short loose pieces of chain attached
to a hemp rope in a cluster, with their knees pointing
inwards toward the centre of the shaft. There were
usually two "bants, the lower or "bottom lant which was
composed of men, and the upper or foaley "bant which
was made up of a cluster of lads fastened a few feet
above the heads of the men. There was only one rope
used for raising and lowering men ; the second was a
chain, which was sent up empty, or without anything
attached to it, when men were descending, and vice versa.
When the lant was used, at some collieries the
winding-ropes or rather chains were pulled close up to
the sides of the shaft, and the man-rope drum (1) was
put in gear, the lant working over a third pulley in the
pit frame. See Hold out! and Tucklers.
BAK. A length of timber placed horizontally for
supporting the roof. In some cases bars of wrought
iron, about 3" X 1" X 5', are used.
BAEE. To strip or cut by the side of a fault,
boundary hollows, &c.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 13
BAEFE SATURDAY (N.) The word larfe = off. The
Saturday upon which wages are not paid.
BARGAIN-WORK (N.). Underground work done by
contract, e. g. heading, road laying, &c.
BARING. 1. The surface soil and useless strata over-
lying a seam of coal, clay, ironstone, &c., which is being
worked by open-hole, which has to be removed or bared
preparatory to. working the mineral.
2. (Y.) Holing, which see.
3. (Y.) Using a stout iron bar to get the Cleveland
ironstone down, after blasting.
BARITELS (F.). See Horse-grin.
BAROMETER HOLIDAY (D.). Any day on which,
owing to the very low state of the barometer (for
instance, when it sinks below say 29 inches), much fire-
damp may naturally be expected to be given off in the
mine, causing risk of explosion, no work is carried on
underground.
BARREN GROUND. Strata unproductive of seams of
coal, &c., of a workable thickness.
BARRIER. A solid block or rib of coal, &c., left un-
worked between two collieries or mines for security
against accidents arising from the influx of water from
one to another; in width often as much as 100 yards.
BARRIER SYSTEM (N.). The most modern and ap-
proved method of working a colliery by pillar and stall,
where solid ribs or "barriers of coal are left in between
a set or series of working places ; the width of such
barriers being from 40 to 50 yards. See plan, Fig. 10.
BARRING. 1. The timbers in the workings for keep-
ing up the roof.
2. (S.) The timber walling or casing of pit-shafts.
14
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BARROW-MAN. One who, in former times, used to
convey coals underground in a wheelbarrow from the
working places to the rolley-ways.
Fig. 10.
BARROW- WAY (N.). The underground roads along
which the barrow-men worked.
BASH (S. W.). To fill with rubbish the spaces from
which the coal has been worked away.
Fig. 11.
a, Coal Measures. b, Millstone Grit. c, Carbonaceous Limestone.
BASIN. A coal-field having some resemblance in
form to that of a basin. The Forest of Dean coal-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 15
field is perhaps the most perfectly basin-shaped one
in Great Britain. See diagram, Fig. 11.
BASKET (L.). A measure of weight = 2 cwt. occa-
sionally used in East Lancashire.
BASKETS (S. S.). Shallow pans into which small is
raked by fillers for loading into tubs.
BASS. Black carbonaceous shale.
BASSET. 1. Outcrop, which see.
2. Shallow or rise side of a working.
BASSET-EDGE. The actual outcrop or boundary of
a seam, where it appears at the surface.
BAT (L., S. S.). See Baffle. Batting out gas was
formerly a regular though unsafe thing to do.
BATE (S. S.). To excavate or cut away the floor of
a mine.
BATE BARREL (Lei.). After drawing a number of
barrels of water out of a sump, the first barrel that
there is not sufficient water to fill is called the late
barrel.
BATE-WORK (N.). Short work.
BATT. See Bass.
BAUM-POTS (Y.). Calcareous nodules found in the
shale forming the roof of the "Halifax Hard" coal
seam.
BAY. 1. An open space for a goblin or waste between
two packs in a long-wall working.
2. (L.) A loard, which see.
BAYSHON (Som.). An air stopping, which see.
16 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BEANS (N.). All coal which will pass say a half-
inch screen or mesh.
BEARERS (S.). Women formerly employed to bear
or carry coals out of the mines upon their backs in
creels, for which they were paid from Is. to Is. 2d. per
day, finding their own creels and candles.
BEARING DOOR. A door placed for the purpose of
directing and regulating the amount of ventilation
passing through an entire district of the mine.
BEARING IN (S.). The depth or distance under, of
the holing or kirving.
BEARING-UP PULLEY. A pulley wheel fixed in a
frame and arranged to tighten up or take up the slack
rope in endless rope haulage.
BEARING SYSTEM. The employment in former times
of females to carry out upon their backs the produce
of the mine.
BEARS (D.). Calcareous clay-ironstone in nodules.
BEATER. 1. (N.) An iron rod for stemming the hole
preparatory to firing a shot.
2. (M.) A wooden mallet for consolidating, or
making air-tight, the clay, when building wax walls or
dams.
Fig. 12.
BECHE or BITCH (N. E.). A hollow conical-headed
iron rod for extricating boring rods from lore holes (1).
See Fig. 12.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 17
BED. 1. The level surface of rock upon which a
curb or crib is laid.
2. A stratum of coal, ironstone, clay, &c.
BELL. 1. To signal by ringing a bell.
2. (F. D.) See Sell-mould.
BELLED. The widened out portion of a pit shaft at
the inset in order to give plenty of room for running
the trams past the shaft, and for changing them in the
cages.
BELL-MOULDS, BELL-MOUTHS (Som.). Conical-shaped
patches of the roof, being probably the bases of the
fossils called sigillaria, or the roots of trees.
BELL-PIT (D.). Pits working argillaceous ironstone
by the system called Bell-work, which see.
BELL-SCREW or SCREW BELL. An internally
threaded bell-shaped iron bar, for recovering broken or
lost rods, &c , in a deep lore hole (1). See Beche.
BELL WORK (D.). A system of working ironstone
rake measures by underground excavations, around the
pits or shafts in the form p. 13
of a bell or cone. Pits
are sunk about 20 to 40
yards apart, the iron-
stone is then worked
away between the pits
and lastly taken from
the sides of the shafts, thus forming them into bells.
See diagram, Fig. 13.
BENCH (Pa.). 1. A small tram or car of about 7 cubic
feet capacity used in the breasts for carrying coal from
the face of the workings to the shoot or chute down
c
18
A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
Fig. 14.
which it is dumped to the gangway platform for reload-
ing into larger cars.
2. (Lei.) To wedge the bottoms up below the holing.
3. A stratum of coal forming portion of a seam ; some
seams are made up of a number of benches separated by
strata of shale, &c.
BENCHERS (S.). Men who are employed at the
bottom of inclined planes in the mine.
BENCHING. 1. See Eoling. Also to break up with
wedges the bottom coals
when the holing is done in
the middle of the seam.
See Fig. 14.
2. (Ch.) The lower por-
tion of the rock-salt bed
worked in one operation (up
to 12 feet in thickness).
BENCH WORKING. The system of working one or
more seams or beds of mineral by open working in
stages or steps as shown in diagram, Fig. 15.
Fig. 15.
" BEND AWAY " or " AWAY ! " (N.) Raise the cage
in the shaft.
BENK (D.). See Sank (4).
BENT (S.). Subsidence of roof having taken place
to rear of working face, e.g. a bent roof.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 19
BERGMEISTEE (Pr.). An Inspector of mines.
BETRIEBSFUHRER (Pr.). The mining engineer or
Manager of a coal mine, who is personally responsible
for the safety of the workings. He sometimes acts as
an Obersteiger.
BETRIEBSPLAN (Pr.). A sketch or rough plan of
underground workings, proposed to be executed during
the next 12 months, submitted for approval to the
Bevierbeamt.
BIAT or BYAT. A timber stay or beam in a pit
shaft
BIBBLEY KOCK (S.S.). Conglomerate or pebbly rock,
BIGGIN (N.). A built-up pillar of stone or other
debris in a working place or heading for a support to
the roof, e.g. ligging the gob means, building a pack in
a worked-out place in a pit.
BILL DAY (N".). That on which viewers examine
the colliery accounts, &c.
BILLET (Som.). A short prop or tree of timber.
BILLY. 1. (F. D.) A box for holding ironstone,
carried by a boy in the mine.
2. See Billy Play/air.
BILLY BOY (S. W.). A lad who attends to the work-
ing of a Billy Playfair.
BILLY PLAYFAIR or FAIR-PLAY (S. W.). A man's
name given to a mechanical contrivance for weighing
coal, consisting of an iron trough with a sort of hopper
bottom, into which all the small passing through the
screen is conducted and weighed off and emptied from
time to time.
c 2
20 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BINCHING. 1. (Som.) The stone upon which a vein
of coal rests.
2. See Benching, also Undercutting.
BIND or BINDS. 1. Indurated argillaceous shale or
clay, very commonly forming the roof of a coal seam
and frequently containing clay ironstone.
2. (N.) To hire.
BINDER. See Bind (1).
BINDING (N.). Hiring of men for pit work.
BING. 1. (S.) A place where coals, &c., are stocked,
or debris tipped at surface.
2. (S.) To put coals on one side in wagons or in
stacks at surface.
BIT. A piece of steel placed in the cutting edge of a
drill.
BITUMINOUS COAL. A clear and free-burning variety
of coal, or a flaming coal of a fuliginous character.
BLACKBAND. Carbonaceous Ironstone in beds,
mingled with coaly matter sufficient for its own
calcination.
BLACK-BATT. Black carbonaceous shale.
BLACK COTTON (In.). Soil from 6 to 10 feet in
thickness overlying the coal measures, which in dry
weather opens and cracks up like fissures.
BLACK-DAMP. Carbonic acid gas, much the same as
after-damp. It will not support combustion, and is
very deadly.
BLACK DIAMONDS. A term frequently applied to
signify coal.
BLACK-JACK (D.). A kind of cannel coal.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 21
BLACK MUCK or BLACK MOULD (L.). A dark-brown
powdery substance, consisting of silica, alumina, and
iron ; found in iron mines.
BLACK-RING (S. S.). In a sinking-pit, it means a
thin bed or shed of coal as seen running round the
shaft sides, having the appearance of a black circle
or ring.
BLACKS (Som.). Soft dark-coloured shale.
BLACKSTONE (N.). Highly carbonaceous shale.
BLAST. 1. The sudden rush of fire and gas and dust
of an explosion through the underground workings and
roadways of a colliery.
2. To cut or bring down coal, rocks, &c., by the
explosion of gunpowder, dynamite, &c.
BLAES or BLAIZE (S.). A hard-bedded sandstone,
free from joints ; also a kind of under clay with balls of
ironstone ; also ordinary bind.
BLECK (N.). Pitch or tar upon ropes.
BLEED. A coal or other stratum is said to Heed when
it gives off water or gas.
BLIND. 1. (F. D.) See After-damp.
2. (S.) To erect a stopping in a bolt-hole or other
underground roadway.
BLIND COAL. Coal altered by the heat of a trap
dyke into something resembling anthracite.
BLIND-PIT (L.). See Drop-staple.
BLIND-ROAD or BLIND- WAY (M.). Any underground
roadway not in use either for drawing coals, &c., ven-
tilation, or for travelling along, having stoppings placed
across it.
22 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BLOCK COAL. Coal in large lumps.
BLOCKY (B.). See Block Coal.
BLOW. 1. To blast with gunpowder, &c.
2. A dam or stopping is said to How when gas escapes
through it.
3. (Y.) A roof is said to Now when it commences to
break in or weight.
BLOWER. 1. A sudden emission or outburst of fire-
damp in a mine, the gas generally coming out of the
coal. They frequently continue to How (2) for many
days or weeks. The pressure of the gas is at first not
unfrequently as high as 300 or 400 Ib. per sq. in.,
but gradually decreases. The quantity of gas given off
is sometimes of enormous volume, filling a great portion
of the workings of an extensive colliery in a few seconds
only, and extinguishing nearly every lamp in the mine.
2. A man who blasts or fires shots in a pit, or who
drills the holes and charges them, ready for firing.
BLOW-GEORGE. A small centrifugal fan worked by
hand, for airing or ventilating a heading or pit.
BLOWING KOAD (S. S.). Intake or fresh-air road in a
mine.
BLOWN-OUT SHOT. In blasting, when it occurs that
the coal or rock bears the strain of the ignited explo-
sive longer than the stemming in the hole, the result is
called a Uown-out shot, or one that has gone off but not
done its work.
BLOWS (L.). Frequent and sudden risings of quick-
sand in sinking through watery ground.
BLOW-UP. 1. An explosion of fire-damp in a mine.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 23
2. To allow atmospheric air to get access to certain
places in coal mines, so as to generate heat, and ulti-
mately to cause gob fires. This is to How up a
fire (4).
BLUE BIND. See Bind (I).
BLUE CAP. The blue or brownish-coloured halo of
ignited gas (fire-damp and air) on the top of the flame
of a safety lamp. To carry on work in an atmosphere
which shows a cap is unsafe.
BLUE GROUND (S. S.). Strata of the coal measures,
consisting principally of beds of bind (1).
BLUE METAL (N.). See Bind (I).
BLUFT (Lei.). To extinguish or put out of sight a
candle or other light.
BLUE STONE (S. W.). In Caermarthenshire it is a
name for "bind (1).
BOARD or BORD. 1. (N.) A wide heading, usually
from 3 to 5 yards.
2. ( Y.) When a seam of coal is worked parallel to the
natural joints or faces intersecting it, it is said to be
worked loard.
3. A plane of cleavage in coal, the line of which is
generally more or less north and south.
4. A piece of board with the word Fire or Danger, or
some other notice in reference to gas, safety lamps,
shot-firing, dangerous roof, &c., painted upon it, to
warn the men and boys in the workings. It is hung
by a nail to a prop, or fixed in some other con-
spicuous position, beyond or behind which the danger
lurks.
24
A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
Fig. 16.
BOAED AND PILLAE. A system of working coal
where the first stage of exca-
vation is accomplished with
the roof sustained by coal.
The coal is worked out to the
extent of from say 30 to 60
per cent, of the whole seam.
Of course, this system is
capable of very great modifi-
cation, and the size of pillars
is determined by the circum-
stances under which the system
is carried out. Fig. 16 is a
sketch plan, showing an arrangement of the workings.
BOAED COAL. Coal having a fibrous or woody
appearance. Of the Secondary
and Tertiary eras.
BOAED GATES (Y.). Head-
ings driven in pairs generally
to the rise, out of which banks
(4) or stalls are opened and
worked. See plan, Fig. 17.
BOAED AND WALL. See
Board and Pillar.
BOAED-EOOM (S.). A head-
ing driven board (2).
BOAED-WAY'S COUESE (N.).
planes of cleavage of the coal.
BOAT COAL (Pa.). Coal which is loaded into boats
on canals, rivers, &c.
Fig. 17.
At right angles to the
See Face on.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 25
BOB. An oscillating bell-crank or lever, through
which the motion of an engine is transmitted to the
pump-rods in an engine or pumping-pit.
(See elevation of L ' bob/ % 18. J?g' 18*
There are J_ bobs, L bobs, and V bobs.
BOGIE. 1. (Y.) A small truck or
trolly upon which a kibble is carried
from a sinking pit top to the spoil "bank.
2. A weighted truck run foremost
or next to the rope in a set or train.
BOLL (N.). An ancient measure for coal, containing
9676 * 8 cubic inches, or -^ part of a Ten.
BOLT or BOLT-HOLE (S. S.). A short narrow heading,
connecting two others.
BOND. 1. (N.) Agreement for hiring workmen.
2. (F. D.) A wind (5) made by a winding engine.
3. (N. S.) A bed, band, or seam of ironstone.
BONE (Pa.). Hard slaty carbonaceous beds of rock.
BONNET. 1. The overhead cover of a cage or Swing-
ing lont usually constructed in the form of a ridge tile
/\ so as to ward off the blows from anything acci-
dentally falling down the shaft.
2. (S.) See Sett-mould.
BONNET ROLLER, BONNET PULLEY, BONNET SHEAF.
See Eat Boiler.
BONT or BOND. The cage and winding rope with
attachments.
BONTLE (M.). A cage-full of men.
BOOBEY (Som.). A kind of box holding 6 to 8 cwt.
of coal in which dirt or rubbish is sent to lank (1).
26 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
BOOLIES (N.). A collier's term for brothers.
BOOT LEG (L.). A short pipe of leather through
which the water is drawn from a pot-hole into a pump
of a sinking set (1).
BORD (Y.). A road or heading in a pit in loard and
pillar workings.
BORDS AND LONGWORK (Y.). A system of working
coal in the manner shown in Fig. 17. The modus
operandi is briefly as follows : —
Firstly, the main levels are started on both sides of
the shafts and carried towards the boundary.
Secondly, the loardgates are set away in pairs to the
rise and continued as far as the boundary, or to within
a short distance of a range of upper levels and other
"boardgates.
Lastly, the whole of the pillars and remaining coal
are worked out downhill to within a few yards of the
levels, and ultimately the coal between the levels is
worked away.
BORE. 1. To prove, by boring vertical holes, the
character and thickness of strata.
2. The proportion of the sectional area of a pipe
filled with running water. When a pipe is discharging
water to its greatest capacity, i.e. when the pipe is
quite full, it is said to be running full lore.
3. A Borehole (1), (2), (3).
BORE-HOLE. 1. A hole made with a drill, auger or
other tools, from 1 in. to as much as 30 ins. diameter,
and to a depth of several thousand feet (5500 feet
having been attained at Potsdam in America), for ex-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 27
ploring strata in search of minerals, for water supply,
and other purposes.
2. A hole bored into the face of a coal Fis-
wall or stone drift, &c., for blasting purposes.
3. Holes bored in ribs and pillars for prov-
ing the position of old workings, proving
faults, letting off accumulations of gas or of
water.
BORE MEAL. Mud or finely chopped-up
debris out of a lore-hole.
BORIXG-HEAD. The group of chisels or
cutters by which the strata are cut through
in boring. See Bore (1), Fig. 19.
BORING EODS. Square iron rods of
Swedish iron of the toughest quality, made
in lengths of 4 or 5 yards, having male and
female screws at the extremities for con-
necting them together in a bore-hole. See
Fig. 20.
BOSH (Water Bosh) (S.W.). A tank or
tub out of which horses drink.
Fig. 20.
BOTTLE-JACK. An appliance for raising heavy
weights in a pit.
BOTTOM. The bottom of the shafts and roadways,
&c., near the shafts.
BOTTOMER. The person who loads the cages at the
pit bottom, and gives the signals to bank (1).
28 A. GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BOTTOM PILLARS. Large blocks of solid coal or
mine (1), left un worked round about the pit shaft. See
Shaft Pillar.
BOTTOM STEWARDS (Y.). Underground officials.
BOTTOMS (M.). The lowermost portion or natural
division of a seam of coal, &c. The holing is sometimes
done above the bottoms, and then they are benched (2), up.
BOTJLEUR (Belg.). Small girls who collect the coals
into heaps in the working places underground to be
filled into trams by older girls.
BOUTONS (S.). Masses of roof stone or shale.
BOUT. 1. (M.) A coil of rope upon a drum.
2. (Lei.) A dinner or other jollification given by
the owners or lessees of a colliery to their colliers and
other workmen in honour of some special event, e. g.
finding of coal, a coming-of-age, &c.
Bow. The bent iron bar or handle suspending the
body of a kibble.
BOWK. An iron barrel or tub in which the debris
from a sinking pit is raised. See Fig. 21. It is
attached to the rope by three short
Fi? 21
chains with hooks, and holds about
half a ton of stuff.
Box. The vehicle in which coals,
&c., are conveyed from the working
places along the underground roadways
up the shaft and to the unloading
places at bank (1).
It has a capacity of from 8 to 20 cwt., varying
according to the thickness of the seam worked, and the
height and width of the roads ; and weighs from 3 to
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
29
6 cwt. The wheels are from 10 to 15 inches in diameter
and made of cast steel, the framework and bodies are
of ash and elm strengthened with iron ribs and plates.
Fig. 22.
Fig. 23.
Fig. 24.
Figs. 22 and 23 show a side and an end elevation of a
box as commonly constructed.
Box BELL. See Bell-screw.
Box BOTTOMS (Lei.). The small coal or slack which
falls to the bottom of the loxes or tubs. It is produced
by breakage in transit underground, and by sorting on
the lank (1).
BOXED OFF. Enclosed or protected by a wooden
pipe or partition.
BOXES (Pa.). "Wooden parti-
tions for conducting the ventila-
tion from place to place.
BRACEHEAD. Wooden handles
or bars for raising and rotating
the rods when boring deep holes.
(See Fig. 24.) The handles are
firmly set in an iron socket,
forming the uppermost end of the top rod, a short chain
being attached to the ring on the top by which the
rods are suspended from the Irake staff. Sometimes
four handles are employed set cross- ways.
30
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BRAKE. 1. A stout wooden lever to which boring
rods are attached, and is worked by one or more men.
2. (N. S.) To lower trams down dips (4) by means
of a wheel and rope.
BRAKESMAN (N.). The man who works the winding
engine.
BRAKE-STAFF. See Brake (I). It has an up-and-
down motion, imparted to it either by machinery or by
hand.
BRAKING (N.). Working a winding engine.
BRANCH. 1. (Som.) An underground road or head-
ing driven in measures. See diagram, Fig. 25.
2. A roadway under-
ground branched off from a
level, &c.
BRA SHY. Short and ten-
der, as Irashy bind, &c.
BRASS. Iron pyrites in
coaL Occurs generally in
lenticular patches, small
veins, and scaley partings.
BRAT (N.). A thin bed or band of coal mixed with
lime and iron pyrites. *
BRATTICE. 1. A division or partition in a shaft,
heading, or other underground working place, for pro-
viding for ventilation, &c. It divides the place into
two parts, one for the ingress of the fresh air, and one
for the egress of the vitiated air. A brattice may be
constructed of brick or stone work, of coarse clothing
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
31
nailed to timbers, or of sheet-iron tubes about 18 inches
in diameter, or of boarding. Figs. 26 and 27 show
Fig. 27.
cross sections of four ways of making a brattice in a
heading. Strictly speaking the iron pipe system is not
a brattice.
2. (M.) A built-up pillar of cordwood something
like a large chock (which see), and serving a similar
purpose. Called also brettice and brittice.
BRATTICE-ROAD. A gateroad through the goaf sup-
ported by brattices (2) or timber packs. Fig. 28 gives a
cross section of a roadway of this description.
Fig. 28.
BRATTICE WALL. The bratticed side of an aircourse
or other road.
BRAZZIL (M.). See Brass.
BREAK. 1. A crack or small natural cavity or
fracture in the coal seam.
32 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
2. A crack, often several inches in width, proceeding
from old workings or hollows.
BREAK IN (S.). To commence to hole.
BREAKAGE CLAUSE. A clause inserted in some
mining leases providing for an abatement of royalty or
allowance on weight for a certain weight of small coal or
breakage sent out in every ton of large coal, e.g.
120 Ibs. in every 2640 Ibs. or collier's ton.
BREAKER. 1. (N.) A large crack formed in the roof
next to the goaf. See Break (1).
2. (Som.) A coal getter or "hewer."
3. (I.) A collier who wedges down coal and fills it
into tubs.
BREAKER BOY (Pa.). A lad who attends to a coal-
breaking machine.
BREAKING BAND (S.). A method of setting or fixing
props in the workings, in lines running diagonally to the
line of the face or wall.
BREAKING-DOWN MACHINES. Mechanical appliances,
such as wedges, &c., worked by compressed air or by
hydraulic power, for bringing down the coals after they
are holed.
BREAKING UP (CL). A system under which a
skilled miner engages an unskilled man, the former
paying the latter a mere labourer's wages until he
becomes able to demand the wage that experience has
made him worth.
BREAK OFF. To drive a thirl or bolt-hole, &c., out of
a gate-road, level, &c.
BREAK UP (M.). To cut away and remove the floor.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 33
BREAST. 1. (Pa.) A stall 10 yards in width.
2. (I.) A stall in a steep seam from 12 to 18 yards
wide. They are carried one above another from the
lowest level to the rise. Fig.
29 shows a section of three Breasts Fis- 29-
with the unworked coal between
them.
3. (Lei.) To take down or get
a buttock of coal end on [i.e.
working it off in a direction at a
right angle with the line of the Face (1)] in a long-wall
stall when the roof has fallen in close up to the working
face, thus preventing work going on in the ordinary
way.
BREAST AND PILLAR (Pa.). A system of working
anthracite coal by boards 10 yards in width, with
narrow pillars 5 yards wide between them, holed
through at certain intervals. See Board and Pillar.
The breasts are worked from the dip to the rise.
BREAST-BORE (S.). A borehole (3) put in parallel
with the seam, made and kept in advance of a working-
place, for the purpose of ascertaining the position of
old works, tapping water, letting off gas, &c.
BREAST-EYES (L.). See Day, Day-hole.
BREAST-HEADS. Natural joints in rock, coal, &c.
BREASTING. 1. (N. S.) A short leading stall, worked
at right angles to, and forming the face (1), of the main
levels.
2. Wide heading or level.
BREATHER. An apparatus brought out by a Mr.
Fleuss for use in impure atmospheres, enabling a man
D
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Fig. 30.
to enter and explore underground workings filled with
noxious gases. It consists of a mask or mouthpiece, a
knapsack, and an elastic air-reservoir
or bag, and is charged with oxygen gas,
which the wearer inhales, and, by an
ingenious arrangement, breathes over
and over again ; and consequently can
remain in gas for several hours at a
time (Fig. 30). A special form of
safety-lamp is used with the breather,
constructed upon the same principle.
BREECHING (M.). Drawing loaded
trams down hill underground.
BREEDING FIRES (S. S.). Spon-
taneous combustion in a mine. See Gob Fire.
BREESE (S.). Fine slack.
BRICK COAL. Small and rough quality of coal
suitable for brick kilns and similar purposes.
BRICK FUEL (S. W.). Patent Fuel.
BRICKING. The walling or casing of a pit-shaft.
BRIDAL (S.). A contrivance for preventing tubs
from overturning upon steep inclined planes (1 in 3 or 4).
BRIDGE. 1. See Air Grossing.
2. A platform on wheels running upon rails, for
covering the mouth of a pit-shaft when landing coal,
debris, or men at surface.
BRIDLE CHAINS. Short chains by which a cage is
attached to a winding rope. Either four or six are used.
BRIERS (N.). Beams or girders fixed across a shaft
top.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 35
BRIGHT-HEADS (Y.). Backs (1) or slines.
BRING-BACK. To work away the pillars of coal or
the Iroken from the boundary towards the pit bottom.
BRIQUETTES (Belg.). See Brick Fuel.
BRITCHING (S.). Horse's tackle used when the tub
precedes the horse upon a steep incline.
BRITISH (S.). A kind of pack or luilding.
BROADSTONE BIND, &c. Bind (1) which breaks up
into large blocks or slabs.
BROADWALL (N.). See
Longwall.
BROBS (M.). Short thick
timber props or sprags for
supporting the coal whilst
it is being holed. They are set about half way under
the Ming. See Fig. 31.
BROKEN. That part of a mine where the mineral
has already been partially worked away, and where the
remainder is in course of being extracted. See Fig. 10.
BROKEN GROUND. Faulty or unproductive measures.
BROKEN JUD (N.). A jud in course of being worked
off from the whole.
BROW. 1. (L.) An underground roadway leading to
a working-place, driven either to the rise or to the dip.
2. A low place in the roof of the mine, giving
insufficient head-room.
BROW-BAR (M.). A massive curl or beam of timber
fixed in the walling of the shaft across the top of the
insit.
36
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BROWN COAL. Woody or peaty-looking coal of a
brown or black colour found in the Secondary and
Tertiary rocks.
BROW UP (L.). An inclined roadway driven to the
rise. See Brow (1) and Upbrow.
BRUSH. 1. (M.) To mix gas with air in the mine by
buffetting it with a jacket, &c. This is done to render
it inexplosive. It is a very dangerous practice, and not
now allowed.
2. (F. D.) A rich brown haematite iron ore.
3. (Som.) See Altogether Coal.
4. (S.) To take down or rip the roof.
BRUSHERS (S.). Men who brush (4) the roof, build
packs and stoppings, which work is called Crushing.
BRUSHING-BED (S.). The stratum Irushed or ripped.
BRUSKINS {M.). Small coal in lumps about a pound
in weight each.
BUCKET. The top valve or clack of a lifting set (1)
of pumps. It is attached to the lower end of the rods,
Fig. 32.
and works within a long pipe or barrel.
Fig. 32 is a plan and side view of an
ordinary pump bucket.
BUCKETING. The operation of taking
out a worn-out pump bucket or clack, and
replacing it with a new one, in connection
with pumps fixed in an engine-pit, or
belonging to the Cornish system of pump-
ing.
BUCKET SWORD. A wrought-iron rod
to which a pump bucket is attached, having at its upper
end a knock ing-off joint.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 37
BUCKET-TREE. The pipe between the working barrel
and the windbore.
BUCK WHEAT (Pa.). Anthracite which will pass a
screen varying in width between -J and J of an
inch.
BUGGIED (Pa). Trammed or put, which see.
BUGGY (Pa.). A small car or tram of about 7 cubic
feet capacity, used in the breasts for conveying the coal
from the faces to a shoot, or chute, down which it is
dumped to the gangway platform for reloading into
larger cars.
BUILDERS-UP. Men who make packs, set timber, &c.,
in some ironstone mines.
BUILDING (S.). A built up block, or pillar of stone
or coal to carry the roof.
BUILDING-STONE (S.). Sandstone or bind (1) suit-
able for pack building.
BULK. 1. (B.) See Dip.
2. Coal in large and small lumps in large quantities.
BULKHEADS. See Chock.
BULL (N.). 1. An iron rod for preparing a shot-hole
in watery ground, and when the hole has to be lined
with clay. Using a bull is called bulling.
2. See Backstays.
BULL ENGINE. A single-acting pumping engine
constructed upon the direct-acting principle, that is to
say, it has no beam or toothed gearing, the cylinder
being inverted and fixed directly over the pit-shaft, the
pump-rods forming a continuation of the piston-rod.
38 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BULLER SHOT (S.). A second one put in close to
and to do the work not done by a llown-out shot, loose
powder being used.
BULLIONS (L.). Nodules of clay ironstone, iron
pyrites, shales, &c., which generally enclose a fossil.
BULL- WHEEL (Pa.). A wheel upon which the rope
carrying the boring rods is coiled when boring by steam
machinery.
BUMP. A very sudden breaking, sometimes accom-
panied by a settling down, or upheaval of, the strata,
during the working away of the mineral, accompanied
by a loud report or bumping noise heard in the mine.
BUMPERS (M.). See Catches (3).
BUNKERS (S.W.). Steam coal consumed on board ship.
BUNTON, or BUNTEN. See Biat.
BURDEN (Pa.). A charge of gunpowder, dynamite,
&c., used in blasting coal or rock.
BURE (F., Belg.). A coal-pit.
BURGT (L.). Slack, or small coal.
BURNT-STUFF (M.). The contents of a spoil lank
which has been thoroughly burned by spontaneous
combustion. [A good material, when broken up and
riddled, for stowing into the sites of gob-fires, and for
packing in solid behind clay dams or stoppings.']
BURR (L.). Yery compact siliceo-ferruginous sand-
stone.
BUSTER (really BURSTER). A machine for breaking
down coals, &c., without the employment of blasting
powder.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 39
BUSTLE (Y.). Hurry in getting or working coal, or
in performing other colliery work.
BUSTY (N.).
BUTTERFLY VALVE or CLACK. Pump valves con-
structed to open as shewn by dotted lines in Fig. 32.
See Bucket.
BUTTOCK. That portion of a working face of coal,
&c., next to be taken down.
BUTTOCKERS. Men who work at the buttock, or break
out the coal ready for the filers.
BUTTY. 1. (M.) A man who works a stall. He is a
contractor, and performs or pays for the whole of the
work done in getting and sending out the coal, &c., and
keeping the stall in proper and safe working order.
He sets the timber, rips the gates, holes, packs, fills coal
into tubs, and is responsible to the manager for every-
thing connected with his place (1), including the quality
of the coal sent out. Sometimes as many as ten butties
work a stall; they divide the money which is left over
after paying the holers, fillers, and boys. They also
pay for their own candles, smith's and carpenter's work,
and find their own picks and other tools. Often termed
a "Butty Collier." See First Man, Joey.
2. (M.) A man who sorts and fills into trucks, boats,
&c., the coals upon the lank (1), for which he is paid
by the ton. Known as a " Butty Banksman."
3. (M.) A mate, partner, friend, or fellow- workman.
BUTTYMAN (Y.). Contractors for getting coal, &c.
See Butty.
BUTTYSHIP (S. S.). The prevailing mode of raising
40 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
the Ten- Yard coal seam. The contractor gets, fills in
pit, and delivers coals to place of sale (masters finding
timber, engine-power, and loaders into boats, &c.),
finding all tools, horses, skips, corn, candles, powder,
pit-beer, &c.
BUTTY SYSTEM (S. S., N. S., M.). When a pit is
worked by contract, it is said to be worked upon the
butty system.
BYARD. See Biat.
BYE CHAINS (S. W.). Hauling ropes (?) for dip in-
clined planes.
BYE-WORK (M.). Odd work, or that which is paid
for by the day, in connection with the underground
roads, &c. The men who perform it are called Bye-
workmen.
c.
CABIN. A small room fitted with wooden benches,
a table, &c., in which the Manager, and other under-
ground officials meet for consultation, writing reports
on the state of the mine workings, having their
bait, &c. In many large collieries there are several
cabins, viz. — underviewer's cabin, men's cabin, lamp
cabin, &c. Also on the pit bank there is always a
banksman s cabin.
CAGE. — The apparatus in which the tubs of coal, the
men, horses, and materials are raised and lowered in
the shaft. Cages are constructed to carry from one to
eight tubs or from 10 to 90 cwt. of coal, and are generally
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
41
made of steel, and run up to 3J tons in weight. A cage
for holding four tubs is shown in Fig. 33.
Fig. 33.
Fig. 34.
CAGE
CACi
Guidf
CAGE GUIDES. Vertical rods of pine, rails or rods
of steel or iron fixed to luntons in pit-shafts ; or wire
cables fixed or suspended and weighted at pit bottom
to prevent oscillation, between which the cages run, and
whereby they are prevented from striking one another
or against any portion of the shaft and the fittings con-
tained therein. Fig. 31 is a plan showing a good
arrangement of such guide when wire rope ones are
used.
CAGE SEAT. Scaffolding, sometimes fitted with
strong springs or with indiarubber blocks, to take off
the shock, upon which the cage drops on reaching the
pit bottom.
CAGING (N. S.). The operation of changing the
tubs on a cage.
42 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CAGE SHUTS (S.). Short props or catches upon which
cages stand during caging. Fig. 35.
CAKING COAL. Coal
Fig. 35.
of a bituminous nature,
and has the property of
agglomerating. It is not
a free or open burning
coal, and requires much
poking on the fire.
CALE (M.). A specified number of tubs taken into a
working place during the shift.
CALING (M.). Conveying tubs into the stalls out of
turn — irregularly — so that each is not supplied with an
equal number during the day from each train or set.
CALLER (N.). A miner who goes round the villages
two hours or so before work commences, to call up the
men who first descend the pit to examine it in a
morning.
CALLEY-STONE (Y.). A kind of gannister, which
see.
CALLIARD or GALLIARD (N.). A hard, smooth, flinty
grit-stone.
CALLOW. The "baring or cover of open workings.
CALMSTONE (S.).
CANCH or CAUNCH (N.). That part of the roof of an
underground roadway, which has to be taken down, or
of the floor to be broken up, in order to equalize the
gradient of such roadway. Fig. 36 is a diagram show-
ing the bottom canch I, and the top one a, which are
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
43
produced in consequence of the fault slip throwing the
level of one roadway above the other.
Fig. 36.
CANK or CANKSTONE (D. Lei.). See Burr.
CANKER. The ochreous sediment in coal-pit waters,
being bicarbonate of iron precipitated by the action of
the air upon that mineral.
CANNEL. A coal rich in hydrogen, produces much
gas, and has a hard, dense structure. This word is
derived from Canwyl, meaning a candle, from the
readiness with which it lights and gives off a steady flame.
CANNON-SHOT, See Blown-out Shot.
CANNONIER (F.). See Fireman.
CANT. To slip or heel over to one side.
CANTEEN (N.). A small wooden barrel in which a
collier takes his tea, &c., for refreshment during his skiff.
CAP. 1. See Blue Cap.
2. See Bar. Fig. 37.
3. An attachment between a rope end and a chain,
&c. : it te riveted on to the rope. See Fig. 37.
CAPPING. See Cap (3).
44 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
CAB. I. (N. S.) See Canter.
2. (Pa.) A box or tram (holds 75 to 140 cubic feet of
coal).
CARBONATES. Black imperfectly crystallised form
of diamond used for rock boring ; the abrasion of the
diamond removes the rock in an annular form, pro-
ducing cores, which see.
CARRIAGE. See Cage.
CARROT. A solid cylindrical specimen or core cut
in a lorehole (1).
CART (Som., S. W.). A tram with or without wheels
for conveying coals underground in thin seams.
CARTING (Som.). Hauling coals underground in
thin seams.
CART TRADE (Som.). See Land Sale.
CARTRIDGES. 1. Paper or water-proof cylindrical
cases filled with gunpowder, forming the charge for
blasting. They are usually about 1£ inches in diameter,
and contain a quarter, half, and three-quarters of a
pound of powder.
2. Short cylinders (about 4 inches long and 2 J inches
in diameter) of highly compressed caustic lime made
with a groove along the side, used in breaking down
coal. See Lime Cartridge.
CARVING. 1. (Lei.) A wedge-shaped vertical cut or
cutting at the fast end of a stall.
2. (Lei.) The air-way formed along the side of the
goaf between the solid coal and a pack wall. See
Cutting, Fig. 50.
CASE BOOK (N.). A book kept at a colliery in
which the name and description of every horse or pony
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 45
which is off work for 24 hours or longer, and the
driver's name, is entered. It is examined periodically
by the viewer, the reason and cause of every animal
being off work being fully enquired into.
CASH (S.). Soft shale or Und.
CAT, or CATCH-EARTH (S. S.). A clunchy rock.
CATCHER. 1. A safety or disengaging hook for over-
winding.
2. (L.) See Cage Shuts.
3. Very strong beams in pit-shafts (of oak or wrought
iron) to catch the rods, &e., of pumps in case of a
break down, to prevent them falling downwards.
CATCHES. 1. Iron levers or props at the top and
bottom of a pit shaft. See Cage Shuts.
2. Iron stops fitted on a cage to keep trams from
running off.
3. Projecting blocks of wood attached to pump spears
for preventing damage in case of a break down.
CATCH SCAFFOLD. A platform or cradle in a pit-
shqft, placed a few feet beneath a working scaffold in
case of accident.
CATHEADS (N.). Nodular or ball ironstone.
CATRAKES. Cataracts of a Cornish pumping engine,
first introduced by Boulton and Watt.
CAVILLING KULES (N.). Kules or bye-laws in
reference to cavils and wages.
CAVILS (N.). Lots, drawn for quarterly by hewers
for every working place in the pit : in the broken or in
splitting pillars, one pillar equals a cavil.
CAULDRONS (S. W.). See Bed Moulds.
46 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
GAUM (CuM.).
CERTAIN BENT. See Dead Eent.
CHAIN-BROW WAY. An underground inclined plane
worked by an endless chain.
CHAIN KOAD. An underground wagon-way worked
upon the endless chain system of haulage.
CHAIR. See Cage.
CHALK and PIPE-CLAY (N.). An expression used
by sinkers and borers for gypsum.
CHAMBER AND PILLAR (Pa.). See Breast and Pillar.
CHALDER WAGON (N.). A railway truck holding
53 cwt. of coals.
CHALDRON (N.). An ancient measure (Ghalder)
equal to 2000 Ibs., but 53 cwt. is now customary,
though seldom used.
CHALKING-ON (N.). Keeping an account of the
number of tubs sent out of a stall, &c.
CERTIFICATED MANAGER. See Manager.
CHANCE MEASURE. Any seam or bed of coal or
other rock occupying an unusual or foreign position in
the strata.
CHANGER AND GRATHER (N.). A man whose duty it
is to keep the pump buckets and clacks in working order
about a colliery.
CHAP. 1. (S.) A customary and rough mode of judging
from the sound, of the thickness of solid coal existing
between two places near to each other. The sound is
produced by knocking with a hammer on the solid coal.
2. (S.) To examine the face of the coal, &c., for the
sake of safety, by knocking on it lightly.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 47
CHARGEMAN (M.). A man specially appointed by the
manager to fire shots and to look after the blowers (2).
CHARGEUE (Belg.). A woman or girl who loads coal
into trams in the mine.
CHARTER (M.). A price per ton paid to butties.
CHARTER MASTER. Head butty or contractor.
CHECK. A. fault, which see.
CHECK-WEIGHMAN. A man appointed and paid by
the colliers (1) to weigh the coals on reaching the
surface. He must have been employed in the mine,
and must not interfere with the ordinary weighman.
CHEEK. A projecting mass of coal, &c.
CHEESES (D.). Clay ironstone in cheese-shaped no-
dules.
CHEMIST'S COAL (S.). An ancient term given to a
particular kind of hard splint coal which used to be
carried by women in their shifts or chemises out of the
mines. The word chemise became changed into chemists.
CHERKERS (F. D.). See Catheads.
CHERRY COAL. A soft, velvet-black, caking, bright
resinous coal.
CHEST (S.). A tank or barrel in which water is
drawn from the sump.
CHIMNEY. A spout or pit in the goaf of vertical
coal-seams.
CHIMNEY WORK (M.). A system of working a great
thickness of beds, or pins of clay ironstone, in patches
or areas of from 10 to 30 yards square, and 18 or 20
feet in thickness. The bottom beds are first worked
out, and then the higher ones, by the miners standing
48
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
upon the fallen debris; and so on upwards in lifts (3).
See Bake. See Fig. 38.
Fig. 38.
CHINGLE (S.). Portion of the coal-seam used for
stowing purposes.
CHINKS (S.). Holes in Irattices.
CHITTER. 1. (L.) A seam of coal overlying another
one at a short distance.
2. (D.) A thin band or pin of clay ironstone.
CHOCK. A square pillar constructed of short rec-
tangular blocks of hard wood, for supporting the roof.
They are generally built upon a few inches of slack, or
rubbish. See Fig. 39.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 49
CHOGS (Y.). Blocks of wood for keeping pump-trees
or other vertical pipes plumb. See Fig. 40.
CHOKE DAMP. See Black Damp.
CHOP (Som.). See Fault.
CHUMP. To drill a sliot-hole by hand.
CHURNS (F. D.). Ironstone workings in cavern-
shaped excavations. A kind of rough chamber and
pillar system of working.
CHUTE (Pa.). A lolt or thirl connecting a gangway
with a heading.
CINDER COAL. Coal near to a trap or whin dyke, of
altered nature, due to the heat of the lava.
CIRCLES (Ch.). Wavy, undulating lines of various
colours frequently seen in the sides of shafts, on the
pillars, faces, and roof of rock-salt mines. They vary
from a few feet to a few yards across, and are caused
by the form of the stratification of the rock salt, which
is usually spheroidal, or wavy and undulating, being
cut through or dressed to a plane.
CIRCLE SPOUTS. See Garland (1).
CLACK. The lower valve of a lifting or forcing set
(1) of pumps, made something like a bucket, without
the central rod.
CLACK-DOOR PIECE. A cast-iron pipe, having a door-
way made in the side of it for giving access to the
clack. The clack-door is an iron plate bolted to the
door-piece.
CLAGGY. Sticky.
50 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CLAMS or CLAMMS. Strong iron clamps for firmly
holding pipes, ropes, &c., in shafts, or on inclined
planes.
CLANNY. A safety-lamp, the invention of one Dr.
Clanny. First exhibited in Sunderland in the year
1813. The lower part of the lamp- top around the
flame is constructed of a thick glass ring, above which
is the wire gauze chimney. It is a lamp which gives
a good light, aDd indicates freely the presence of fire-
damp, but is not so safe a lamp as some others.
CLAY. In mining language usually means tender
shale, or indurated clay.
CLAY BAND (S. W.). Argillaceous ironstone in thin
beds, very numerous in the lower coal measures.
CLAY DAM. 1. (M.) A stopping made of puddled and
well-beaten clay, from 12 in. to 36 in. thick, and well
rammed into the roof, floor, and sides of the excavation
made to receive it.
2. A stopping consisting of two walls of stout planks
placed 18 to 24 inches apart, and supported on the
outsides by upright props ; good strong clay well
beaten and puddled into the space between the walls
of planks forms a tolerably strong barrier against water
pressure.
CLAY-HOG (M.). Kind of wash faults, or lows. See
Fig. 70 (No. 2).
CLAYING. Lining a borehole (2) with clay, to keep
the powder dry.
CLAYING IRON. See Butt (1).
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 51
CLAY-IRONSTONE. A dull brown or black compact
form of siderite, with a variable mixture of clay, and
usually also organic matter. Occurs in the carbo-
niferous and other formations in the form of either
nodules, where it has usually been deposited round
some organic centre, or of beds interstratified with
shales and coals.
CLEADING. Deal boarding for Itratticing or lagging.
CLEAN. 1. (N.) Free from firedamp or other noxious
gases.
2. A coal-seam is said to be clean when it is free
from dirt partings.
CLEANSER, or CLANSER. An iron tube or shell, with
which the lore-meal is extracted from a bore-hole (1).
CLEAR. See Clean.
CLEARERS (I.). Colliers who hole the coal, working
at distances of say three or four yards apart along the
face.
CLEAT. 1. Natural jointing of coal seams, with
generally a north and south direction, irrespective of
dip or strike.
2. (M.) A wooden wedge four or five inches square
placed between the head of a puncheon and the under-
side of a lar or cap.
CLEATS (N.). A system of natural joints or fissures
running through the great northern coal-field of Dur-
ham, &c., ranging N.N.W.
CLEAVINGS. Horizontal divisions of beds of ccal, &c.,
or in the direction of the laminae.
E 2
52 A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
CLEEK. 1. (S.) To load cages at the pit-bottom, or at
mid-workings.
2. (S.) A haulage clip.
CLIFF or CLIFT (S. W.). Shale which is laminated,
splitting easily along the planes of deposition. See
Bind.
CLINKER. See Cinder Coal.
CLIP. See Haulage Clip.
CLIP PULLEY. A wheel containing clips in the
groove for gripping a wire rope.
CLIVVEY. A Q-shaped iron ring, by which a chain
is attached to a rope cap (3).
CLOD (D. Lei.). Indurated clay, not flaky.
CLOD-TOPS (F. D.). Overclays, or clayey beds over-
lying seams of coal.
CLOG-PACK (Y.). See Chock.
CLOGS (M.). Short pieces of timber about 24" x 6"
X 3" fixed between the roof and a prop.
CLOSE WORK. 1. Driving a tunnel, or drifting be-
tween two coal-seams.
2. (S.) See Narrow Work
CLOSING APPARATUS. Sliding-doors or other me-
chanical arrangement at the top of an upcast shaft for
allowing the cages, &c., to pass up and down without
disturbing the ventilation of the mine. Fig. 41 shows
a side elevation of a self-acting arrangement, in which
horizontal iron doors or slides are actuated by long
levers or arms worked to and fro by the cages.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
Fig. 41.
53
CLOT. See Clod.
CLOTHING. Brattice constructed of a coarse canvas
specially prepared.
CLUMPEB (F. D.). A large mass of fallen stone in the
mine.
CLUNCH (M.). A kind of hard earthy Fireclay.
COAL. 1. All vegetable matter which has been
changed under the influence of ages of time, and which
is capable of undergoing combustion in contact with
oxygen. It is fossil fuel — fuel produced and stored up
in bygone ages, which by chemical and physical
agencies, with and without the presence of heat and
moisture, has been modified or resolved into the various
forms which bear this name. It is a compact black
54 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
rock or mass, having a fracture usually of resinous
lustre, usually friable, inflammable, burning with flame,
smoke, and smell. The substance of coal is principally
carbon, viz., 74 to 97 per cent. The sp. gr. varies
between 1 • 3 and 1 * 5. The weight of a cubic foot of
solid coal equals 74 to 82 Ibs. ; heaped coal from
45 to 55 Ibs. It occupies from 40 to 50 cubic feet per
ton in the heaped or broken state. It occurs in beds or
seams intercalated between strata of shale clay, sand-
stone, &c., in geological formations of Palaeozoic,
Secondary, and Tertiary age. The thickness of coal-
seams ranges from mere sheds (3) to between 100 and
200 feet.
2. Coal in large lumps, as distinguished from slack or
small.
COAL BEARING (S.). The ancient custom of em-
ploying women to carry out on their backs the produce
of the mine.
COAL BED. A formation in which there are one or
more strata of coal : the stratum or strata of coal them-
selves.
COAL BRASSES (S. W.). Iron pyrites in coal seams.
COAL BREAKER (Pa.). Machinery consisting of iron
rolls, shoots, and screening apparatus for preparing
anthracite for the market.
COAL-CUTTING MACHINE. An engine with mechanism
combined, generally worked by compressed air, for
holing or undercutting a seam of coal.
COAL-DRAWING. The operation of raising or winding
(1) coals at a colliery.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 55
COAL-DROP. Broad shallow inclined trough, down
which coals are discharged from waggons into the holds
of colliers (2) and other vessels.
COAL DUNS (F. D.). Coal measure shales, &c.
COAL DUST. Very finely-powdered dust suspended
in the air-currents in mines, composed of coal and other
finely-divided substances. It is capable of extending
and aggravating an explosion of fire-damp. When
mixed with even less than 1 per cent, of this gas, an
explosive mixture is obtained under certain conditions.
COAL FACE. The working face or wall of a stall,
composed wholly of coal.
COAL-FIELD. A district containing workable mines
of coal ; generally applied to areas composed chiefly of
the coal measures, though rocks of more recent date
may overlie them, or they may be partially submarine.
The thickness of some coal-fields is very great, that of
Saarbrucken in Germany being 20,000 feet, South
Wales, 14,000 feet. The number of separate coal-fields
in England is sixteen, Scotland six, Ireland five,
covering an aggregate area of something like 5000
square miles. The following figures represent the total
thickness of coal measures and of the various coal beds
contained therein, in some of the principal dis-
tricts : —
Coalfield. Feet. Feet.
North of England . . . . 2 , 100 of measures, 50 of Goal
Midland 3,000 „ 45 „
Scotland 4,344 „ 95 „
Lancashire and Cheshire .. 7,000 „ 70 „
N.Staffordshire 5,000 „ 140 „
S- „ 1,800 „ 50 „
Warwickshire 3,000 „ 26 „
56 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
Coalfield. Feet. Feet.
Leicestershire 1 , 800 of measures, 45 of Coal.
5,000 „ 81 „
2,300 „ 27 „
10,000 „ 179 „
1,800 „ 17 „
7,218 „ 294 „
2,750 „ 70 „
Bristol and Somerset . .
Forest of Dean . .
South Wales
Ireland
Prussia
Pennsylvania
India 12,000 „ 350
China (10, 000 sq. miles) .. — „ 40
Although Great Britain has during the last thirteen or
fourteen years been producing over 100,000,000 tons of
coal annually (156,500,000 during 1882) from about
3,800 collieries, it has been estimated that there
remains something like 135,000,000,000 tons still
available, which includes all coal seams above 2 feet in
thickness to a depth of 4000 feet, after deducting 40
per cent, for loss and other contingencies.
COAL-GETTEK. One who cuts, holes, hews, or lloivs
coal in the mine.
COAL HAGGER (N.). One who is employed in
cutting or hewing coal in the pit.
COAL HEUGHS (S.). Mounds of refuse about old
pits. They date as far back as 1545.
COALING (M.). Engaged in cutting [see Cut (2)]
and getting coal.
COAL-MASTEE. The owner or lessee of a coal-field or
colliery, who works it and disposes of its produce.
COAL MEASURES. The upper division or series oi. the
carboniferous system of rocks, containing almost exclu-
sively the whole of the coal of the earth.
COAL PIPE. 1. The carbonised annular coating or
bark of a fossil plant.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 57
2. A very thin seam of shed of coal.
COAL PRINTS (N.). Thin films or patches of coal-
like matter interbedded with shale, &c.
COAL-RAKE (D.). A seam or bed of coal.
COAL EOAD. An underground roadway or heading,
made or driven entirely within the seam, or one having
a coal roof and floor as well as coal sides.
COAL SALAD (S. W.). A mixture of various sorts of
coal.
COAL SEAM. See Coal Bed.
COAL SHALE (F. D.). See Coal Measures.
COAL SHED. A bed of coaly matter only a few
inches in thickness, and therefore unworkable.
COAL SMITS (Y.). Worthless, earthy coal. See
Coal Smut.
COAL SMUT. A black, earthy coaly stratum at or
near the surface. The outcrop of a coal seam.
COAL-STONE. A kind of cannel.
COAL WARRANT (N. W.). A kind of elunch or fire-
clay forming the floor of a coal seam.
COAL WASHING. See Washing Apparatus.
COAL WORK (N.). Headings, &o., driven in a seam
of coal.
COB (D.). A small solid pillar of coal left in a waste
as a support for the roof.
COBBLES. Mound coal in smallish lumps.
COBBLING. Cleaning the roads in the pit of coals
which have fallen off the trams during the turn (I).
58 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
COCKERMEGS. Timber props fixed in the manner
shown in Fig. 42, to support the coal during holing.
Fig. 42.
COCKERPOLE. A piece of timber placed horizontally
between two inclined pieces which abut against the
roof &&& floor. See Fig. 42, Cockermegs.
COCKERS. See Cockermegs.
COCKERSPRAGGS. See Cockermegs.
COCKHEAD (D.). A description of pack or support
to the roof of a waste, consisting of a goblin of slack or
rubbish about 12 feet in width, surmounted by a few
lumps of coal.
COFFEKING. Watertight casing or walling of a shaft
without the employment of metal tubbing. It consists
in lining the shaft to stop the influx of feeders of water
where the head of water is not great by means of brick-
work set in hydraulic mortar backed with puddled clay
or with soil ; the water being allowed to escape down a
wooden pipe called a plug-box during the putting in of
the coffering.
COG. 1. See Chock.
2. (S. S.) A pack, which see.
COG AND KUNG-GIN. One of the earliest appliances
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 59
for raising the coals and water from coal pits.- It was a
kind of windlass fitted with a cog-wheel and pinion
arrangement, and worked by a horse in much the same
way as our nineteenth century horse-gins are worked.
COGGER. One who builds up cogs (I) (2).
COGGING (S. S.). The propping up of the roof in
longivall stalls.
COKE-COAL (N.). Carbonised or partially burnt coal
found on the sides of whin dykes.
COKING COAL. A coal having the property of
being converted into large and hard cokes, free from
sulphur, &c.
COLD FURNACE (N.). A drift driven up into an upcast
shaft to convey the return air into it instead of passing
it over the furnace fire. This is done to guard against
any gas in the return air firing (3) from the heat of
the furnace.
COLD PIT (Lei.). A downcast pit. Called cold because
the fresh or cold air comes down it.
COLLAR (N.). The mouth of a pit-shaft.
COLLAR-CRIB (N.). A strong oak polygonal frame
fixed in a shaft, upon which the wooden wedying crib of
solid wood tubbing is bedded.
COLLARING. Timber framing for steadying and sup-
porting pump trees in a shaft. See Chogs, Fig. 40.
COLLIER. 1. Strictly speaking, a man who cuts or
hews coal with a pick, though commonly applied to any
one who works in or about a colliery.
60 A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
2. A steam or sailing vessel carrying a cargo of coals
from staithes and drops (2) coastwise.
COLLIEK'S COALS. A certain weight of coals allowed
periodically (once in a month or six weeks) by the
owners to the cottiers (1) and other men employed on
the works, who are in most cases householders, as a
perquisite. The colliers, however, are not as a rule
paid for cutting and hauling these coals.
COLLIEK'S (1) TON. A weight of often several cwt.
in addition to the standard ton or 2240 Ibs. In former
times as much as 28 cwt. was reckoned as one ton.
COLLIERY. A place where coal is mined, with its
machinery and plant.
COLLIERY CONSUMPTION. The amount of fuel con-
sumed in generating steam and for other purposes in
and about a colliery establishment.
COLLIEEY WARNINGS. Telegraphic messages de-
spatched from the Government meteorological stations
to the principal colliery centres to warn the managers
of mines when any sudden fall of the barometer is
taking place, in order that extra vigilance and care may
be taken in guarding against the effects of possible
sudden outbursts of fire-damp, or of unusually large
quantities of that gas being given off from old workings,
&c., as a consequence of a reduced atmospheric
pressure.
COLUMN. 1. The rising main (either fixed vertically
or inclined) or length of pump-trees or pipes conveying
the water from the mine to the surface.
2. Ventilating column, which see.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 61
3. See Carrot.
COMB COAL.
COME (Come Water). The constant or regular flow
of water in a mine proceeding from old workings or
from watery rocks.
COMET (S. W.). An open-burning hand lamp with a
long torch-like flame.
COMING UP TO GRASS or COMING UP TO DAY. A
common term used by miners for the word Basset.
COMPANY. A number of butty colliers who work
and carry on a stall, &c.
COMPOUND VENTILATION (N.). The system, first
practised by Buddie, of dividing up or splitting the air,
and of ventilating the workings of a coal mine by giving
to each district or panel a separate quantum of fresh air,
and conveying away the return air to a main return
direct from each panel.
CONDUCTORS. See Cage Guides.
CONE-IN-CONE COAL. Steam or anthracite coal
exhibiting a peculiar fibrous structure passing into a
singular toothed arrangement of the particles called
cone-in-cone coal or crystallised coal.
CONICAL DRUM. The rope roll or drum of a winding
engine constructed in the form of two truncated cones
placed back to back, the outer ends or sides being
usually the smallest in diameter. See Fig. 43. The
winding ropes are wound and unwound in a spiral form,
and rest in channels or grooves of iron riveted upon the
62
A GLOSSARY OP TEEMS
Fig. 43.
lagging. Drums of this description are in use chiefly
at deep pits where a large output is required and a high
speed of winding is a necessity.
They range from say 12 feet to
32 feet in diameter, and, together
with the main shaft, weigh as
much as 60 tons. The object of ^
the spiral or scroll form is to
equalise the load upon the engines
at all points during the lift or
run, without the employment of any special balancing
arrangements, such as chains, &c.
CONSEY (S.). A branch underground road in stoop
and room workings.
CONVERTING COAL (M.). A local name given to a
coal suitable for steel-making purposes at Sheffield, &c.
COOMING (S.).
CORES. The cylindrical-shaped samples of strata
produced by the Diamond system of boring (1). They
vary in diameter from 1 to 18 inches, and are obtained
whole in lengths of many feet under favourable cir-
cumstances.
CORF-BATTER or CORF-BITTER (N.). A lad who cleans
the dirt or mud off corves.
CORF, CORFLE, or CORVE (N.) (from the Dutch Korf,
a basket). See Sox. But when used for bringing up the
debris from a sinking pit they are made without wheels,
and are more like a basket. In bygone days corves
were wicker baskets, having wooden lows or handles :
they held about 4J cwt. of coal.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 63
CORNERS (S. W.). Bands of clay ironstone.
CORNISH PUMPS. Pumps arranged and worked upon
a system very common in Cornwall, and very frequently
applied to colliery drainage. The system consists in
having a lifting pump at the bottom of the pit to raise
the water out of the sump, and a series of force pumps,
placed one above another, to drive it up by stages to
the surface or adit, the whole of the pumps being
worked simultaneously from the main rod.
CORPORAL (M.). An overlooker of the pony boys
and others upon the underground ways in a district.
CORROIS (F.). Clay or wax dams and walls built up
to isolate the place of a gob-fire.
CORVERS (N.). Carpenters who make corves. A
corver was formerly paid ^d. per score of corves
brought up out of the pit, being bound to find the pit
in corves and keep all in repair.
COUNTER CHUTE (Pa.). An empty, or worked out
breast, down which coals are dumped to a lower level,
or gangway.
COUNTER COAL (Pa.). Coal worked from breasts or
boards to the rise of a counter gangway.
COUNTER GANGWAY (Pa.). A level or gangway
driven at a higher level than the bottom of the shafts,
or foot of the slope.
COUNTER HEAD (M.). An underground heading
driven parallel to another, and used as the return air
course.
64 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
COUNTRY PITS (F. D.).
COUP (N.). To exchange cavils with the consent of
the overman.
COUPLE (M.). To conduct water which runs down
the sides of shafts into water curbs or garlands (1).
COUPLING (Y.). The cap (3) of a rope.
COUPLINGS. See Double Timber.
COURSE. 1. To conduct the ventilation of the col-
liery backwards and forwards through the workings,
by means of properly arranged stoppings and regulators.
Fig. 44.
JUULJULJ
In Fig. 44, which gives a plan of two panels, or blocks
of board and pillar workings, that set marked A shows
the system of coursing known as two and two, whilst in
B, the workings are coursed three and three] that is
to say, the ventilation is conducted up and down two
and three boards respectively, as indicated by the
darts.
2. (Som.) A seam of coal.
COURSING THE WASTE. Threading the ventilation
up certain workings and down others.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 65
COVER (N.). The total thickness of strata overlying
the workings of a seam of coal, &c. If a mine is
1800 ft. deep at the shafts, the cover will be 1800 ft.,
but if the workings are level and extend underneath
rising or falling ground at the surface, then the cover
will be greater or less as the case may be.
COVERING BOARDS (Y.). A series of boards and
thirls formed on the side of a shaft pillar, out of which
long-wall working is commenced on No. 1 method.
See Fig. 92, Long-wall.
Cow (N.). See Backstay.
COWLS (N.). Wrought-iron water-barrels, or tanks,
attached to the winding ropes, and emptied at the
surface, used when the engines are not winding (I)
coals.
CRACKS (S.). Vertical planes of cleavage in coal,
&c., running at right angles to backs.
CRACKET (N.). A tool used by colliers in getting
coal.
CRADLE. 1. A moveable platform or scaffold sus-
pended by a rope from the surface, upon which repairs or
other work is performed in a shaft.
2. (M.) A loop made of a chain in which a man is
lowered and raised in a shaft not fitted with a cage.
CRANE BOARD (N.). A return air course connected
directly with the furnace.
CRANK (N. W.). Small coal.
CREASE (F. D.). - Mountain limestone of ironstone
workings.
CREEL (S.). A kind of basket in which coals and
66 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
debris were conveyed from the pit. They were carried
on the backs of bearers, being steadied by a strap round
the forehead.
CREEP. 1. The gradual Fis- 45-
upheaval of the floor of
a mine towards the roof,
due to the weight of the
cover and a tender floor.
The working away of a
seam of coal will often
produce creep in an underlying seam, as well as a cor-
responding subsidence or creep in one overlying it at
no great distance. See Fig. 45.
2. A very slow movement of a winding engine, when
the brake is not sufficiently applied to hold it quite
fast.
CREEPING. The settling down, or natural subsidence,
of the surface and buildings, &c., thereon, caused by
the extraction of mines to such an extent as to produce
such settlement. Workings shown in Fig. 16 will not
create any creeping of the surface, but as soon as the
posts or pillars are worked away a subsidence may be
expected, the extent of which will depend upon the
depth to the coal worked, its thickness, dip, the nature
of the overlying measures, and the way in which the
building or stowing is done.
CREESHY (^GREASY) BLEAS (S.). Nodules of bitu-
minous shale met with in the soft roofs of some of the
Scotch collieries. So called from the sort of unctuous
smoothness, which causes them to fall out when the
coal is worked away from beneath them.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 67
CREPT-BOARDS. Boards more or less filled up from
the effects of creep. See Fig. 45, a a' a".
CRESSET. Afire-lamp, which see.
CRIB. 1. A cast-iron ring in a shaft upon which
tubbing is built up. See Wedging Crib.
2. A wood ring upon which the brick lining or walling
of a shaft is built. It is Fig. 46.
constructed in segments (six
or eight to the circle) which
are bolted together as shown
in Fig. 46, which gives a
plan and elevation of one segment with joint blocks
and bolts complete.
CRIBBING (N. E.). See Tubbing.
CROOK (B.). A self-acting apparatus for running
the liudges on inclines in steep seam workings.
CROP. 1. See Outcrop, Bassett.
2. The roof coal or stone which has to be taken down
in order to secure a safe roof in the workings.
CROPPER. A shot placed at the edge or rise side in
a sinking pit bottom.
CROSS (S. W.). See Cross-cut (2).
CROSS-CUT. 1. A drift or heading driven through
or across the measures from one coal seam to another.
See Branch.
2. A headway which is driven at an angle to the
vertical planes of cleavage.
CROSS GATES (Y.). Short headings driven on the
strike right and left out of and at right angles to the
main gates.
F 2
68 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
CROSS-HOLE (S. W.). A short lolt hole or cut through
communicating with two headings, for ventilation pur-
poses.
CROSSING. 1. See Air crossing.
2. (N. W.) A Cross-cut.
CROSS-MEASURES. A line drawn horizontally or
nearly so, through or across inclined strata: e.g. a
branch or crutt is a cross-measures drift or heading.
CROSS OFF (CL). See Stack out.
CROW COAL. See Anthracite.
CROWN IN (Ch.). The surface or cover of a rock
salt mine is said to crown in when it falls in or pro-
duces creep.
CROWN or CROWN-TREE (K). See Bar.
CROWNINGS IN (S. S.). The strata forming the roof
or cover.
CROW'S FOOT. An iron claw or fork, forming part
of the boring tackle for deep boreholes,
to which a rope is attached, and by
which the rods are lowered and raised
when changing the cutting tools, &c.
See Fig. 47, which is called an open
runner (3).
CROW-STONE (D. Y.). See Gannister.
CROZLE (D.). To cake or harden.
CROZZLING. Aggregation of coal
when burning.
CRUSH. The breaking up or weighting of pillars of
coal due to the pressure of the overlying rocks and to
the hardness of the floor.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
69
Fig. 48.
CRUST (Sh.). Whitish fine sandstone.
CEUTT (N. S.). See Branch.
CRTS GROUND (F. D.). Carboniferous limestone
strata containing beds of iron-ore.
CUBE (S.). See Furnace.
CUBE COAL. Coal broken up into cubes of about
one foot square to suit the trade.
CUFF AT (F.). A vessel in which coals are sometimes
raised in the shaft, consisting of a
kind of shallow tub fitted with
4 wheels and attached to chains
at the sides, the coals being piled
up in a conical form and kept
from falling off by iron rings
placed round them one above
another. See Fig. 48. Some
Cuffats are made as much as
9 feet deep and more like the
English Boivk.
CUILLER (F.). A long wrought-iron cylindrical
bucket in which the debris made by the boring in the
kind-chandron system of shaft sinking, is brought to
the surface. Whilst the larger of the two cutting tools
employed in boring out the shaft is at work, the cuiUer
remains in the bottom of the small bore in the centre
of the shaft, which it nearly fits, and catches the stuff
as it falls from the upper or fully bored out portion of
the pit. Are made up to 12 tons capacity.
CULBUTEURS (Belg.). Tippers which turn com-
pletely over or round.
70
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
CULM (S. W.). Inferior anthracite, and the small or
slack of smokeless coal. The Kilkenny coal of Ireland.
CUNDIE (S.). The spaces from which coal has been
worked out, partially filled with dirt and rubbish
between the buildings or packs. See Waste.
CUPOLA. 1. The offtake for smoke and return air
erected at or near to the top of the upcast shaft.
2. See Furnace.
CURB. See Crib.
CURB TUBBING. Solid wood tubbing.
CURBING. See Back-casing.
CURP (Som.). The floor of an underground way
which is being taken or broken up. See Caunch.
CURLEY CANNEL. Cannel coal which breaks with a
conchoidal or curly fracture. It is often used for oil
manufacture.
CURL-STONE (Sh.). Ironstone exhibiting cone-in-
cone formation,
CURRY-PIT (Lei.). A
hole or very shallow pit
sunk from an upper to a
lower portion of a thick
seam of coal through
which the return air
passes from the stalls to
the air way, which is
carried alongside and
parallel to the side of the
stalls, and sometimes underneath the goaf. See plan,
Fig. 49.
beneath/Goaf
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 71
CUT. 1. (Som.) A staple or drop-pit, which see.
2. To hew or hack coal, &c., with a pick.
3. (S.) See Buttock.
4. The depth to which a drill hole is put in for
blasting.
CUT-CHAIN (S.). A system of working underground
self-acting inclined planes from several different levels
communicating with such incline, by means of chains
of various lengths which are regulated according to
the level from which it is intended to lower the
coals.
CUT-OUT. 1. (F. D.) See Crutt or Branch.
2. When a fault which dislocates a seam of coal more
than its entire thickness, the seam is then said to be
cut-out.
CUT-OVER (M.). To cut or nick the seam of coal
in a long-wall working, over or beyond the first joint or
cleat, running more or less parallel with the face line.
This is done in order to extract the coal in as large
lumps as possible without the use of powder and with
a minimum of labour in getting.
CUT-THROUGH (N. S.). Bolt-holes put through be-
tween headings every 18 to 20 yards in mines having
a steep inclination. See Dip (4). Fig. 54.
CUTTER. 1. (S.) A fissure or natural crack in
strata.
2. (Pa.) Joints at right angles to backs.
CUTTING-OFF ROAD. A slant road in long-wall work-
72
A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
Fig. 50.
ings, out of which the stall-gates are branched parallel
to the main road, and which at certain distances cut
off a range of stalls to the rear. See Long-wall,
Fig. 92.
CUTS (S.). Strips of coal worked off the sides of
pillars.
CUTTING. The end or side
of a stall next to the solid
coal, where the coal is cut
with a pick in a vertical line
to facilitate breaking down.
See plan of a cutting, Fig. 50.
CUT-UP (S.). The break-
ing down of the roof to a
considerable height.
CUVELAGE (F.). Tubbing, which see.
D.
D. C. Down cast (1), which see.
D LINK. A flat iron bar attached to chains, and
suspended from a hemp rope to a windlass at surface.
It is a loop in which one man is lowered and raised in
an engine-pit. He sits upon the flat bar, the chains
passing up in front of him, and the leather strap or
belt is fastened round the back under the arms. See
Fig. 51. He is free to move his legs and arms, and to
turn himself about in any direction, and to perform
work with a spanner or hammer, &c. Fig. 52 is a
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
73
sketch of a form of hook commonly used for suspending
the D link to the rope.
Fig. 51.
Fig. 52.
•Spring.
DADDING (N.). Mixing firedamp with atmospheric
air to render it incapable of ignition. See Brwh (1).
DAM. 1. An underground stopping or wall constructed
of masonry or of clay, by means of which gas or damp,
and spontaneous combustion, are prevented from es-
caping and breaking out.
2. A solid brick or timber stopping for keeping back
accumulations of water.
DAMP. (From the German, Dampf.) Carbonic acid
gas, or a mixture of gas (fire-damp) and air, incapable
of supporting combustion, and therefore unfit for
respiration.
DAMPED. Suffocated by gas or foul air in a mine.
DAMPY (M.). A pit is said to be dampy when the
air in it is mixed with so much carbonic acid gas as to
cause the lights to burn badly or to go out.
74: A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
DAN. 1. (M.) A tub or barrel, sometimes with and
sometimes without wheels, in which mine water is con-
veyed along underground roadways to be discharged
into the sump or lodge, or raised in the cage to the
surface.
2. A small "box or sledge for carrying coal or debris
in a mine.
DANGER-BOARD. See Fire-board.
DANES (S.). See Sat.
DANT (N.). Sooty, worthless coal.
DANTY (N.). Disintegrated coal.
DARG (N.). A specified quantity or weight of mi-
neral agreed by masters and men to be worked during
a shift for a certain sum of money.
DASH (N.). See Dadding.
DATALLING. Blowing down roof in a mine.
DATLERS (L.). Men who work underground, not
being contractors, and are paid by the day.
DAUGH (S.). Underclay, or holing dirt.
DAVY. A safety lamp, invented by the late Sir
Humphrey Davy in 1815. It will indicate the presence
of fire-damp in a mine, which, when mixed with certain
proportions of atmospheric air, becomes ignited within
the gauze cylinder forming the "top," or upper part
of the lamp. The flame, however, cannot pass through
the wire gauze and set fire to the gas outside. There
is no glass used in the construction of this lamp; it
consists simply of a brass cistern for the oil, with wick,
&c., surmounted by a chimney or cap of iron, or copper
wire gauze, having not less than 784 (28 x 28) aper-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 75
tures to the square inch. Diameter of gauze is about
1^ inch, and about 8 ins. in height. The Davy is not
a safe lamp to work with under certain conditions.
DAY (Pa.). The entrance to a mine on a hill-side.
DAY-EYES (N. W.). Inclined planes driven from
the surface to win and get the mines.
DAY-HOLE. Any heading or level from the surface
communicating with the mine.
DAY-MEN (Y.). Men employed in building packs,
and performing other work in the mine, for which they
are paid by the day, or by time.
DAY-SHIFT. When a colliery is worked by two shifts,
or relays of men, that which works during the daytime
is called the day-shift.
D. C. Downcast Shaft. See Downcast.
DEAD. 1. An unventilated or airless heading or
working.
2. The creep after subsidence or upheaval has taken
place to the full extent.
DEAD GROUND. A faulty or barren piece or area of
coal strata.
DEADING (G., Som.). See Deadwork.
DEAD KENT. A certain, fixed, or minimum rent paid
at specified times by a lessee of a mine, whether minerals
are worked and sold or not.
DEAD-SMALL (N.). The smallest coal which passes
through the screening or separating apparatus, being
almost as fine as dust.
DEAD- WORK. The work of driving out into a mine
76 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
for the purpose of proving and preparing to work it, or
work which at the time produces little or no profit.
DECK. The platform or level upon which the tubs
and men ride on a cage. Cages are occasionally made
with as many as four decks.
DECKING. The operation of changing the tubs on
a cage at top and bottom of a shaft There are
several very ingenious contrivances for performing this
by mechanical means. One is Fowler's hydraulic load-
ing and unloading apparatus, whereby each deck is
operated upon simultaneously. The loaded tubs are at
some collieries withdrawn from the cages by steam
power, whilst the empties run into them by gravity.
See Onsetting Machine.
DEEDS (N.). Debris of pit refuse tipped upon the
spoilbarik.
DEEP. Workings below the level of the pit bottom
or main levels extending therefrom.
DEEP COAL. Coal seams lying at a depth below the
surface of over, say, 600 or 700 yards.
DEEP PIT. A pit-shaft exceeding 400 or 500 yards
in depth.
DELF (F.D., L.). A vein, seam, mine, or bed of coal
or ironstone.
DEPUTY. 1. (N.) A man who fixes and withdraws the
timber supporting the roof of a mine, and who attends
to the safety of the roof and sides, builds stoppings, puts
up bratticing, and looks after the safety of the hewers,
&c., generally one deputy to every 12 workmen.
2. (M.) An underground official who sees to the
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
77
general safety of a certain number of stalls or of a
district, but who does not set the timber himself
although he has to see that it is properly and suffi-
ciently done. He will often have the overlooking of as
many as 100 men and boys.
DEPUTY SYSTEM (K). The plan of having all the
timbering or propping of the working places performed
by deputies (1) specially appointed.
DERRICK. A high frame or head gear constructed of
timber poles, placed over a, lore-hole (1), upon which is
Fig. 53.
fixed or hung a pulley or sheaf for
carrying the rope by which the rods
(2) are lifted.
DETACHING HOOK. A self-acting
mechanical contrivance for setting
free a winding rope from a cage, &c.,
when the latter is raised beyond a
certain point in the head gear; the
rope being released, the cage re-
mains suspended in the frame.
There have been a number
invented, and a variety of them
are in use. Fig. 53 is a sketch
showing the action of one which
has been much used.
DEVIL. A lack-stay, also a kind of jockey.
DIAGONAL STAPLE (N.). A shallow pit or shaft sunk
in a sloping or diagonal direction at the back end of
the main beam of a pumping engine in which the
lever-beam works, so that the work of pumping may be
divided between the two ends of the main beam.
Walker's Hook.
78 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
DIAL. 1. A circumferentor or compass fitted with
sights, spirit levels, and vernier, for making under-
ground surveys.
2. To survey with a dial (1) and chain. See
Dialling.
DIALLING. The operation of making a survey with
the dial. There are two ways of using the instrument
known as loose needle and fast needle dialling. The
former is practised when all the angles or bearings of the
different roads are taken (when such roads are free from
iron tram-rails, &c., which attract the needle of the dial
and give erroneous readings), by " reading the needle"
as it is called. In the latter method the needle is only
consulted in the first sight or at the commencement of
the survey (all iron being removed from near the
instrument), all subsequent angles being read off from
the vernier, so that the presence of iron has no effect
upon the work. See Latch.
DIAMOND CHISEL. A cutting chisel used in boring
for coal, &c., having a diamond or V shaped point.
DIAMOND SYSTEM. Boring for coal, &c., with
diamonds or carbonates, which are stones of a coarse
quality and of a black colour. In this system the rock
is cut or removed by abrasion, the boring rods or
rather tubes, for they are hollow, are caused to revolve
or rotate very rapidly (there being no percussive action
whatever) up to 250 revolutions per minute. Entire
cores are secured whereby the precise character of the
various beds bored through are determined. The
debris or bore meal is rein-oved from the hole, as fast as
it is made, by the constant flow of a stream of water
USED IN COAL MINING> ETC. 79
forced down inside the rods and carrying up the stuff
to the surface. The work is performed by steam
machinery, and a very rapid progress is often made,
say 10 feet per day as an average for a hole 1000 feet
deep; but of course everything depends upon the
nature of the strata bored through and the care be-
stowed upon the working of the machinery.
DIBHOLE (L.). The lowest part of a pit shaft below
the scaffold on which the cages drop. It forms a water
lodge for the drainage of the mine, out of which it is
raised to the surface. See Sump.
DICE (Lei.). The layers in a coal seam of a glossy
bituminous nature which naturally break or split up
into small square pieces resembling dice in shape.
DlFFEHENTIAL PUMPING ENGINE. A Compound
direct-acting pumping-engine, generally of the hori-
zontal class, and usually fixed at the pit bottom for
forcing the water direct to surface. So called, because
it is fitted with differential valve gear of a very effec-
tive and ingenious type, the invention of a Mr. Davey
of Leeds.
DILLY (N.). A counter-balance mounted upon two
pairs of tram wheels by means of which the empty tubs
are carried up an underground incline of a greater
inclination than 1 in 3.
DILSH (S. W.). Inferior culm in the shape of a thin
stratum.
DIP. 1. To slope downwards from the surface.
2. A heading or other underground way driven to
the deep.
3. Inclination of strata when viewed in the direction
SO
A GLOSSABY OF TERMS
of the fall The amount of dip is said to be 1 in so
much, a g. 1 in 4. Or, so many inches in the yard
(9" in the yard), or, in degrees (14°).
4. (N. S.) A heading driven to the full rise in steep
mines. It is usual to drive a pair of dips about
10 yards apart every 180 yards or so, out of the levels
which run at right angles to the crvts, and out of these
dips are driven cross headings right and left on the
strike, about 10 yards apart, commencing at the upper
end first and working downwards (see Drifting Back)
Fig. 54.
Kg. 54.
a, Shafts. 6, Crnt. c, Levels in coal, d, Dips (pair of) rising 1 in 1.
e, Cross headings. /, Face of drifting back, g, Return airway.
A, Goaf.
DIP JOISTS (Pa.). See Backs.
DIPPER (N.). A downthrow, fault, which see.
DIPPING (S. W.). A dip (2).
DIPPLE. See Dip (2).
DIP SPLIT. A current of intake air directed into or
down a dip or deep district of a mine.
DINT (M.)- See Bate.
DIET. 1. day, bind, or other useless rubbish pro-
duced in mining, and which accidentally is sent out of
the pit mixed with the coal.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 81
2. (N.) Foul air or fire damp.
DIET BED or BAND. A thin stratum of soft earthy
refuse interbedded with coal seams.
DISH (N.). The length or portion of an underground
engine plane nearest to the pit bottom, upon which the
empty set stands before being drawn inbye.
DISLOCATION. A fault of fracture of the strata as
shown in Fig. 60.
DISTANCE BLOCKS. Pitch pine blocks placed in
between the main spears and the
side pump-rods by which the proper
distance between them is adjusted.
See Fig. 55.
DISTRICT. A limited area of
underground workings. Collieries
are usually divided into several dis-
tricts. As far as is possible each
should be provided with a separate
split of fresh air and a distinct
return air- way leading to the upcast shaft. There is
generally a deputy (2) or overman for every district.
DITCH (Lei.). To go stiff. To clog. To impede.
DITCHED TOP (Lei.). A coal-seam which has a
hard unyielding top, and is with difficulty separated
from the roof, is said to have a ditched top.
DOB BY WAGON (Y.). A cart into which dirt out of
the mine is tipped.
Do (doo) (Lei. D.). See Bout.
DOCK (X.).
G
82 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
DOG. An iron bar, spiked at the ends, with which
timbers are held together or steadied.
DOG AND CHAIN. An iron lever with a chain attached
by which props are with-
drawn from the goaf. Fig. 56.
Fig. 56 is a sketch show-
ing the way in which a
dog and chain is used.
DOG-BELT (M.). A
strong broad piece of
leather buckled round /
the waist, to which a
short piece of chain is attached, passing between the
legs of the man or boy drawing a dan (2) in the
workings.
DOGGEE (01.). A bed of inferior ironstone overlying
the main seam.
DOGGY (S. S., N.). An overlooker of a certain
number of boys and men in a pit. See Corporal.
DOGS (Som.). See Cage Shutes, but generally made
longer than in Fig. 35.
DOLLY (S. S.). A cast-iron weight suspended over
the men when riding in the shaft, to act as a counter-
balance to the winding engine.
DOMED. Dipping away in all directions from a centre.
DOOK (S.). An underground inclined plane to the
deep.
DOORS. Wooden doors, either single or double, fixed
in underground roads of all descriptions to serve as
stoppings. They are always fixed so as only to open
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
83
towards the intake air. Every door in a pit should be
so hung and otherwise adjusted that it will close of itself.
DOUBLE-BANK CAGES (S. W.). Cages having two
decks, or a multiple of two, so that decking may be per-
formed at two levels or banks.
DOUBLE CRIB. Two wedging cribs placed one on the
top of another.
DOUBLES (Som.). The repeated folds or overlaps of
the coal strata in the Kadstock district. Fig. 57 is a
section of a coal seam exhibiting doubles in a very marked
manner.
Fig. 57.
DOUBLE SHIFT. A colliery is said to be working
double shift when there are two shifts of colliers (1)
employed in getting coal.
DOUBLE STALL (S. W.). A system of working coal
Fig. 58.
F ofS^
SOLID
COAL
1
^
,
COAf
\
^^
fact <f Stalk
\\
1
COAf
\
I
c
•: - !
1
i
SOLID
COAL
^\\m\\\m\\
in which the roof falls within chambers or banks (4)
of a limited width. See plan, Fig. 58.
G 2
84
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Fig. 59.
DOUBLE TIMBER (S. W.). Two props and a bar
placed across the tops of them, in the form shown in
Fig. 59, for giviDg support to
the roof and sides of a heading
or way.
DOUBLE WORKING (NY). Two
hewers working togethei^in the
same heading.
DOUCE. To beat out or ex-
tinguish an accidentally ignited
jet of firedamp.
DOWN. Underground. In the pit.
DOWN BROW (L.). A dip incline underground.
DOWN-CAST. 1. The shaft through which the intake,
or fresh air, enters a mine, and the one used for winding
coals in, and in which the pumps are generally fixed.
It is usually circular in form, though sometimes rec-
tangular and oval. Shafts are now sunk up to 18 and
20 ft. in diameter within the walling. The deepest in
Great Britain is 939 yards (Ashton Moss, near Man-
chester). See Signs.
2. A. fault which throws
a coal-seam downwards.
See Down-leap.
DOWNER (Som.). A rest
or cessation from work, say
half an hour taken during
a shift or turn (1).
DOWN-LEAP (M.). A dis-
location of strata which has caused a coal seam to be
abruptly cut off and be brought below its original level.
Fig. 60.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 85
»
In going from A to B in Fig. 60 the line c d will
represent a down-leap.
DOWN SPOUTS (L.). Pipes fixed down the sides of
a shaft for conducting water from one garland (1) to
another.
DOWN-THROW. See Down-leap.
DOWZING KOD (Som.). The virgula divinitoria or
divining-rod. Formerly commonly used in attempting
to discover minerals. It consisted of a forked branch off
a hazel tree in the form of a Y. One ,end of the rod
was supposed to point in the direction of the mine when
carried in a particular way over the ground to be
examined. The person carrying the stick was called
the dowzer, and the practice of using it was known as
doivzing. A remnant of ancient superstition.
DRAFT (S. W.). Allowance coal. About 360 Ibs.
per week to every householder.
DRAG. 1. The frictional resistance produced by the
current of air circulating in a mine, the amount of
which depends upon the extent of rubbing surface as it
is called — i. e. the length x the perimeter — of the air
ways. The ventilating pressure necessary to overcome
the drag increases and decreases in proportion as the
extent of rubbing surface increases or decreases, and
varies in proportion as the square of the velocity of the
air current increases or decreases. Therefore in order to
double the quantity of air passing through an air-way
the power to produce it would have to be increased
fourfold, because there would be a fourfold resistance
in the shape of friction (drag) to be overcome. In the
86 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
same way half as much air would only take one quarter
the pressure.
2. See Back-stay.
3. A scotch (either a short wooden or an iron bar)
placed between the spokes of the wheels of trams to
check their speed upon an inclined way.
DRAGON (S. S.). A kind of barrel in which water
is raised from a gin pit.
DRAGS-MAN (N.). A man employed as a putter or
pusher of tubs about underground in the working
places.
DRAG-TWIST. A scraper with a spiral hook at one
end with which the lore meal is extracted from a bore
hole.
DRAW (S. S.). Strictly speaking, the distance on
the surface to which the subsidence or creep extends
beyond the workings. See Creeping.
DRAWER (S.). One who pushes trams underground,
or drives a horse or pony drawing minerals to the pit
bottom, or on to an engine plane or jig.
DRAWING. 1. Eecovering the prop ivood, chocks, &c.,
from the goaves for using over again. This work is
commonly performed with the use of the Dog and Chain,
which see.
2. Knocking away the sprags from beneath the coal
after holing.
3. Kaising coal, &c., up a pit shaft, or up a slope or
inclined plane.
DRAWING A JUD (N.). Bringing down the face of
coal, previously set free to fall by withdrawing the
sprags after kirving.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
87
Fig. 61.
DRAWING ENGINE. The engine by which the minerals
are raised from the mine, by which the men and materials
are lowered and raised, and by which the water pro-
duced in the workings is sometimes raised either by
pumps worked from the same engine, or in tanks or
barrels attached to the winding rope or riding in the
cages. See also Winding
Engine.
DRAW SMALL. When a
winding rope, from the effects
of wear and tear, has become
less in diameter or in
thickness from that cause,
it is said to be drawing
small.
DREDGE SUMP (N.). A
small reservoir at the bottom
of a pumping shaft, in which
the water collects and deposits any sediment or debris,
and is pumped up clear. Fig. 61.
DRESSANTS (F.). Bearers or very steep lying seams
of coal, &c. Fig> 62.
DRESSER (M.). A tool used by
colliers and banksmen for splitting up
large lumps of coal, and for dressing
off dirt or brasses when cleaning coals
for the market. See Fig. 62.
DRESSING (M.). Trimming and
cleaning up a stall face after the loaders have left off
work, and before the holers commence work. This
work is performed at night.
88 A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
DRIFT. 1. An underground gallery driven across or
obliquely to the planes of stratification. See Branch.
2. An inclined plane driven entirely in a coal seam.
The work of making a drift is known in mining language
as drifting.
3. (F. D.) A hard shale. •
4. (N.) A head (1) driven on the strike of the coal
seam.
DRIFT AND PILLAR (N. S.). A system of working
coal not unlike the bankwork of Yorkshire.
DRIFTING BACK (N. S.). The operation of working
away the pillars towards the pit bottom in rearers.
Drifting lack commences as soon as the cross headings
are driven out.
DRIFTING CURB. An oak curb forced downwards
through quicksand, having a circle of planks driven
down all round at the back of it to keep out the sand
and water.
DRILLING (U. S. A.). Boring deep holes in search of
coal.
EEIVE. To excavate horizontally, or at an inclination,
places not more than a few yards in width under-
ground.
DRIVERS (M.). Men who break down the coal in the
stalls with hammers and wedges, after the holing is
finished.
DRIVING. 1. A long narrow underground excavation
or heading (1).
2. (B.) A stone head (1) driven through a fault, &c.
DRIVING BY LINES. Keeping the axis of the heading
being driven exactly true to a certain bearing or degree
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
89
of the dial. Two lines, or strings, steadied by weights
are suspended from stomps fixed in the roof from
three to six feet apart ; the prolongation of the line
drawn between them being the bearing or proper direc-
tion, or point as it is commonly called, of the heading.
DROP. 1. To lower coals down from a higher to a
lower level on the pit bank, or at pit bottom, when the
decking is performed in one operation, or when the cage
is only moved once during decking.
2. (N.) A shoot down which coals are run into keels
or boats.
3. To allow the upper lift of a seam of coal, &c., being
worked, to fall or drop down, when the lower portion is
first gotten. See Fig. 63.
Fig. 63.
4. A general reduction of wages in the coal trade.
DROP PIT. A shallow pit shaft in a mine, in which
coals are lowered in tubs upon cages by means of a clip
pulley, or brake-wheel, from one seam to another, or,
where & fault exists, from the higher to the lower level.
The principle upon which it is worked is similar to that
of a self-acting inclined plane, viz. the weight of the
coals dropped being greater than that of the rope, and
friction of the empty tub and appliances.
90
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
DROP SHEETS (N.). Doors made of canvas, by which
the ventilating current is directed and regulated through
the workings.
DROSS (S.). Very small coal-dust, or slack.
DROSSY COAL (D.). Coal with iron pyrites.
DROWNED-OUT. Flooded. Mines under water.
DROWNED WASTE. Old workings full of water.
DRUB (Y.).
DRUM. 1. That part of the winding engines upon
which the winding-ropes are coiled or wound. They
are constructed in various forms (see end views or plans,
Fig." 64), of diameters ranging from 5 to 32 feet, ac-
cording to depth of shafts and size of ropes, &c. See
Fig. 64.
EH
H
9 TV r>
J.flat,llcp&
Internal,
<5. Serm> ComcaL
Conical Drum. The usual number of revolutions made
per run is from 20 to 30.
2. The barrel or roll upon which a self-acting incline
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 91
rope is coiled, generally made in the form of No. 1,
Fig. 64
3. (L.) A brick, iron, or wooden cylinder, with which
beds of sand are sunk through. See Running the Drum.
DRUM-HEAD (N.). A short heading formed to the rise
of a level, or bank-head, in which the drum of a self-
acting inclined plane is fixed.
DRUM-HORNS. Wrought-iron arms or spokes pro-
jecting beyond the surface or periphery of flat-rope
drums, between which the ropes coil or lap, the tips
being often connected by a ring of iron riveted on.
DRUM-PULLEY. A pulley-wheel used in place of a
drum (1). See Koepe System, Fig. 89.
DRUM-RINGS. Cast iron wheels, with projections, to
which are bolted the staves or laggings forming the
surface for the ropes to lap upon. The outside rings
are shrouded, to prevent the ropes from slipping off the
sides of the drum.
DRY (S.). A joint in the roof of a coal-seam, which
cannot usually be discovered until the roof falls. They
frequently exist in connection with lypes.
DRY COAL. That which contains but little hydro-
gen. For instance, the "Aberdare 4 Feet" seam of
Glamorganshire, a first-class steam coal.
DRY SEPARATION. The systems upon which coal is
screened and further separated by taking out the small
pieces of shale, pyrites, &c. (dirt, 1), by what is called
the wind method, i. e. the force of a blast of air is di-
rected upon the screened coal, and thereby separates it
into various sizes due to their specific gravity. See
Wind Method.
92 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
DUAL-ROPE (Y.). A hemp capstan rope upon which
men ride in an engine-pit.
DUFF. See Dross.
DUKEY (Som.). 1. A large carriage or platform
running upon wheels on rails working on a dip inclined
plane underground, upon which a number of small
trams of coal are raised by engine-power at one opera-
tion. So named alter the double coach called the
" Duke of Beaufort."
2. (S. W.) An inclined plane worked by engine-
power.
DUKE-WAY (Som.). The plan of drawing coals up a
dip incline to the pit-bottom by a .rope worked by the
winding -engine at surface, the other rope working the
cage in the shaft simultaneously, i. e. whilst the cage is
going up, the empty trams are running down the
incline, and vice versa.
DUKEY-RIDER (S. W.). A boy who accompanies the
train of trams running upon a dukey (2).
DULL (B.). Slack ventilation. Insufficient air in
a pit.
DUMB DRIFT. A short tunnel or passage connecting
the main return airways of a mine with the bottom of
the up-cast shaft, in order to prevent the return air
from passing through and over the ventilating furnace.
DUMB FURNACE. See Dumb Drift and Cold Furnace.
DUMP (Pa.). To throw coals, &c., by tilting up the
car into, or shooting them down a dip road in a pit, or
upon the inclined plane of a breaker to a loading stage.
DUMMY (N. S.). A low truck on four wheels running
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 93
upon rails, and loaded with pig iron or some other
heavy material ; employed in steep seams or rearers as
a balance-weight to bring up an empty tub (1) on an
inclined plane or a dip (4) ; the weight of the coals,
(fee., in the tub being sufficient to overcome the resist-
ance of the dummy when being braked down,
DUNN BASS (L.). A description of Bass.
DUNS (G-.). Argillaceous shale. See Cliff.
DUNSTONE. 1. (D.) Ironstone in beds or seams.
2. (S. W.) Hard kind oi fire-clay, or under-day.
DUN- WHIN (N.). A rock commonly met with in the
coal measures.
DUST. 1. Fine black powdery substance adhering
to the timbers, &c., in a coal mine. See Coal Dust.
2. See Dross.
DUSTERS (S. W.). Men employed in cleaning trams
of dust and dirt in and about mines.
DUST EXPLOSION. An explosion of coal-dust mixed
with a small percentage of fire-damp.
DUTY (of a Cornish pumping engine). The number
of pounds weight of water raised one foot high with
a consumption of 112 Ibs. of coal.
DYKE or DIKE. An intrusive band or vein of hard
rock, usually of igneous origin. In the north of Eng-
land a fault is often called a dyke. They are not
always accompanied by a dislocation of the strata—
probably have their origin in some deep-seated con-
nection with the molten interior of the earth, out of
which they have doubtless been ejected in the shape of
lava, at a period subsequent to the deposition of the
94 A GLOSSARY OP TEEMS
coal measures — extend in almost straight lines through
the country, in one case upwards of 70 miles. Though
generally taking a vertical line, like a wall, frequently
are discovered lying at different angles, and even inter-
bedded with seams of coal, &c., and in almost all cases
when in proximity to a trap dyke, the coal and other
rocks are partially coked and calcined from the heat of
the lava when first injected into the fissures it occupies.
E.
EARS (D.). Small iron loops or rings fixed on the
sides of tubs, &c., to which side-chains are attached.
EARTH. A term used for soft shaly or clayey ground
met with in sinking through the coal measures.
EARTH COAL. A name sometimes given to Lignite —
earthy brown coal.
EAT OUT (N.). To turn a heading or "holing to one
side in order to win the coal on the other side of a
fault without altering the level course of the heading.
In Fig. 65 is given a plan and section showing two
cases of eating out a fault. The side to which the
heading must be driven on meeting with the fault a b
depends entirely upon two things — the nature of the
fault (whether an up-throw or a down-throw), and the
dip of the coal on the far side of it. In No. 1 case the
fault is a down-throw, coal dipping to the right ; and in
No. 2 the fault is up, and the dip to the left ; and so,
in order to win the coal beyond a b, the eating -out must
be done in both cases on the left. Had, however, the
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
95
dip in No. 2 been reversed, the eating -out heading must
have been on the right at or about C. The fault being
of 4 yards throw, and the dip 1 in 4, it follows that the
Fig. 65.
Sectuon,
2a
distance to be followed alongside the fault before
meeting with the coal again, or from d to e, will be
16 yards.
EDGE COALS, EDGE METALS, EDGE SEAMS .(S.).
Highly inclined seams
of coal, or those having Fis- 66>
a dip greater than say
30 degrees. See Fig. 66.
EGG COAL (Pa.). An-
thracite which passes
over a 2J inch screen.
EMPTIES. Empty trams.
EMPTY EOPE. Any winding or hauling rope from
which the load upon it has been remove
pnriVEESITY]
\AJ» °f_-rtv
96 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
END. The inner extremity of a head (1) or stall.
END or END-ON. Working a seam of coal, &c., at
right angles to the cleat, or natural planes of cleavage.
ENDING (M.). See Bolthole.
ENDLESS CHAIN. A system of underground haulage,
(used also on the surface) in which the trams are drawn
along the ways by a chain worked by an engine from
and to the shafts to the branch roads or gates leading
to the working places. They are attached separately to
the main chain at intervals of from 10 to 30 yards ; the
speed of the chain being about three miles an hour.
Applicable to mines not having much inclination.
ENDLESS HOPE. 1. A system of haulage carried out*
and arranged in much the same way as the endless
chain, and especially applicable to seams having a
moderate inclination. The trams are attached to the
rope either singly, in pairs, or in sets of 30 or 40, and
the speed is slow. For different ways of attaching
trams to endless chains and ropes see Haulage Clip. Fig.
67 is a plan showing the endless rope system as applied
Fig. 67.
to moving the trams about in the vicinity of a shaft
bottom.
2. A new system of winding, in which the rope
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 97
passes through the cages being secured beneath them by
wrought iron clamps, by shifting which the distance
between each cage can be altered at will, thus making
it possible to hoist at different times from different
levels without losing the advantage and economy of
balanced cages. The endless rope runs in a deeply
grooved pulley driven by a pair of engines.
ENDS (Y.). Headings which are driven on the end or
end-on.
ENGINE. A collier's term for engine-house or build-
ing, arching, &c., within which a steam-engine is
fixed.
ENGINEER. 1. (N.) The person at a colliery having
charge of the whole of the machinery both on surface
and underground, and of the workshops.
2. (S. W.) The "brakesman or engine-man.
3. (M.) The mining engineer or viewer.
ENGINE PIT. A shaft used entirely for pumping
purposes.
ENGINE-KEEPER (S.). See Brakesman.
ENGINE-MAN. One who works a winding, hauling,
fan, pumping or other engine.
ENGINE PLANE. An underground ivay either level or
dipping iribye or outlye or both (undulating) along
which the tubs are conveyed to and from the workings
to the pit bottom by engine power. See Endless Chain,
Endless Rope, Main Eope, Tail Eope.
ENGINE TENTER (N. S.). See Brakesman.
ENGINEWRIGHT (M.). A thoroughly practical man,
whose duty about a colliery is to daily inspect the
external parts of the machinery, ropes, and other
98 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
appliances, and to see that the same are kept in efficient
working order — who has the control of the smiths, and
other surface workmen, and takes the leading part in
superintending the erection or fitting up of most of the
machinery and other matters connected with the
mechanical engineering of collieries.
ESCAPE. A second or additional shaft by which the
men are got out of the mine in case of accident to the
other shafts. Also an upcast.
STAGES (F.). See Face, Mouthing, Level
ETTLE (N.). See Attle.
EVERLASTING LAMPS (N.). Natural jets of fire-damp
or small blowers set fire to and continuing to burn as
long as gas was given off. One of these lamps is said
to have been burning for 19 years in the Newcastle coal
field. The gas was conveyed to the surface in pipes and
there set fire to.
EXPLOSION. The sudden ignition of a body of fire-
damp in a mine (often aggravated by an admixture of
coal dust), so often carrying death and destruction all
before it. The^fearful blowing up of the Oaks Colliery
in South Yorkshire, on the 12th December, 1866, when
371 men and lads were lost, is the most disastrous one
which has ever taken place.
There appear also to be two other causes of explosions
in coal mines, though fortunately probably seldom
taking place, viz. 1. The ignition of inflammable gases
evolved from a standing fire or burning or mouldering
coal. 2. The sudden ignition of bisulphuret of carbon,
which is given off by coal and explodes at a very low
temperature, even in the absence of flame.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 99
EXTINCTEUR (F.). A machine of rather recent inven-
tion which discharges on to a burning mass of coal,
water charged with carbonic acid under a very high
pressure — a sort of soda-water. A man carries the
apparatus on his back and projects the gaseous water
by means of a hose like that of a fire-engine.
EYE (Y.). The mouth or top of a, pit-shaft.
R
FACE. 1. The place at which the coal is actually
being worked away either in a stall or in a heading.
2. A cleat or lack.
3. (L.) To place a full tub in position for being
lowered down a brow or jig.
FACE AIKING (N.). That system of ventilating the
workings which excludes the airing of the goaves ; that
is to say, nearly the whole of the air is made to sweep
through the pit, ventilating the working faces and main
roads only.
FACE ON. The reverse of end on, or working a mine
parallel to the cleat or face (2). In order to extract the
coal in the largest possible lumps it will generally be
found advisable to keep the face line of the stall neither
fully face on nor end on, but say half-and-half, or
any other convenient angle. See Horn Coal.
FACING. See Cleat.
FAHRKUNST (Belg.). An apparatus for lowering and
raising the colliers, &c., in a shaft. See Man Engine.
FAIRS (N. and S.). Shaley and slatey strata more
or less gritty.
H 2
100 A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
FAIRING (C.). Kindly treating pit ponies by boys.
FAKE. See Faiks.
FALL. 1. A mass of roof or side which has fallen in
in any subterranean working or gallery, resulting from
any cause whatever. Immense falls take place gene-
rally immediately after a heavy explosion of fire-damp.
2. To blast or wedge down coal, &c., in the process
of working it.
3. A length of face undergoing holing or breaking
down for loading up.
4. To crumble or break up small from exposure to
the weather ; clays, shales, &c., fall.
FALLEES (L.). See Cage Shuts.
FALLING (N.). Thin shaley beds of stone, &c., taken
down with the coal, above which a good roof may be
met with.
FALLS (F.). Working by Falls. A system of
working a thick seam of coal by falling or breaking
down the upper part after the lower portion has been
gotten.
FAN. A centrifugal mechanical ventilator driven by
steam power. They are made up to about 46 feet in
diameter. Several kinds are in use, the Guibal,
Eammel, Waddle, Schiele, and others ; some of them
being able to produce a ventilation, under favourable
conditions, of between 200,000 and 300,000 cubic feet
per minute. The principle of the fan is that
exhaustion or suction of the air out of the mine is
produced by the rapid revolution of the blades of the
machine, whereby a partial vacuum is created, and the
air from the mine rushes in to fill it. Sometimes two
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 101
fans are placed side by side and both kept running,
or one in reserve in case of accident. The engine also
to drive a fan is generally in duplicate. See Ventilator.
FAN DRIFT. A short tunnel leading from a short
distance from the top of the upcast shaft to the fan
chamber or casing in which the /aft runs, along which
the whole of the return air is drawn by the fan. In it,
opening upwards, are occasionally fixed some wooden
doors, intended to blow open in the event of a serious
explosion taking place, and so save the fan from
becoming seriously damaged.
FANGING (M.). Bratticing much the same in form
as trumpeting, which see.
FANNERS (S.). A kind of rude form of Uow-george,
FANS, and sometimes FANGS (S. W.). See Cage Shuts.
FAN-SHAFT. 1. A shallow pit-shaft sunk beneath a
fan connecting it with the fan drift.
2. The iipcast shaft where a fan is in use.
FARE (S.W.). Standing coal, or coal unholed or uncut
FAREWELL ROCK. The Millstone Grit, embracing a
series of strata unproductive in coal, and in which con-
glomerate and coarse siliceous grits often preponderate.
FAR-SET (M,). To timber up and spray the far end
of a stall, preparatory to holing.
FAST. 1. (L.) The first hard bed of rock met with
after sinking through running sand or quick ground,
upon which a wedging crib is generally laid.
2. When a heading or board end is not in com-
munication with another one by a bolt or thirl, but has
only one open end, it is said to be fast or called a
fast place.
102
A GLOSSABY OF TERMS
Fig. 68.
FAST BAT (L.).
FAST END. The limit of a stall in one direction, or
\\here the face line of the adjoining stall is not up
or level with, nor in advance
of it. See Fig. 68. Three
stalls are here shown ; the face
of the middle one is represented
by the line a I ; the end a is a
fast end ; that at b is called
the loose end.
FAST NEEDLE. See Dialling.
FAST SHOT. A heavy or miss-shot. See Shooting
Fast.
Fig. 69.
FAT COALS. Those
which contain volatile
oily matters; for ex-
ample, the celebrated
Cannel of Wigan.
FAULDING or FOLD-
ING-BOARDS (S.). Cage-
catches or shuts in mid-
workings. Fig. 69 is a
side elevation, showing
the action of the catches.
FAULT. Generally
means a fracture or dis-
turbance of the strata
breaking the continuity
of the beds. There are
several kinds of faults, e. g. Faults of Dislocation,
Fig. 70 (1) ; of Denudation (2) ; Upheaval (3) ; Trough
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
103
Fault (4) ; Keverse or Overlap Fault (5) ; Step Fault
(6) ; Thinning out (7). Faults of displacement (1) are
sometimes of many hundred yards throw, and run
through the country for many miles. Those of type (2)
(1)
are frequently of great extent, being several hundred
yards in width, and running through miles of country ;
(3), (4), and (5) are not of common occurrence ; but
(6) and (7) are types of faults met with in most coal-
fields.
FAULT-SLIP. The smooth surface of the fractured
rocks at a fault of No. (1), (4), and (6) types, always to
be found in the lines a &.
FEATHERS. Two long wedge-shaped pieces of steel
or iron which are inserted at the back of a drill hole in
coal, between which a long wedge is driven up, forcing
the feathers apart, and thereby breaking down or
loosening the coal.
FEE (M.). To load up the coal, &c., in a heading
into tubs.
104
A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
FEED. Forward motion imparted to the cutters or
drills of rock-drilling or coal-cutting machinery, either
hand or automatic.
FEEDER. 1. An underground spring or regular flow
of water proceeding from the strata or from old coal or
other workings.
2. A small blower.
FEER (M.). One who fees.
FEEL (S. S.). To examine the roof of a thick seam
of coal with a long stick or rod by poking and knocking
upon it.
FEIGH. Kefuse coal or waste slack.
FENCE-GUARDS (S. S.). Kails fixed round the mouth
of a pit-shaft, or across the shaft at an inset or at mid-
workings to keep people and things from falling in.
FEND OFF BOB. A beam hinged at one end and
Fig. 71.
having a free reciprocating motion, fixed at a bend in a
shaft or upon an inclined plane, to regulate the motion
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 105
of and to guide the pump rods passing round the bend.
See Fig. 71.
FETTLING (N.). Cleaning up and putting tidy any
underground roadway, &c.
FIEG (S. W.). A crack in the roof, often letting in
water.
FIELD. 1. A term used to signify a large tract or
area of many square miles of coal. See Coalfield.
2. A colliery, or firm of colliery proprietors.
3. The immediate locality and surroundings of an
explosion.
FIELD Box (S. S.). A colliery accident club.
FIELD CLUB. A sick or accident club or society
supported and managed by the Owners or Lessees of a
colliery.
FIERY. Containing the explosive gas called fire-
damp, which see.
FIERY MINE. A colliery in which the seam or seams
of coal being worked give off considerable quantities of
light carburetted hydrogen gas. Mines subject to
blowers are specially fiery. In England the mines of
Lancashire, South Wales, Durham, and Yorkshire, are
the most fiery.
FIGHTING. When the weight or pressure of the
ventilating current of air in a mine becomes equal or
nearly so in both the downcast and upcast shafts, and no
appreciable movement is caused in the air, that is to
say, when the motion of the air is first in one direction
and then in another, the pit is said to be fighting.
106 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
FILL. To load trams in the mine.
FILLER. One who fills at a working place or in a
stall
FILLING. The places where trams are loaded in the
FILTY (Som.). A local term for fire-damp.
FIND. A sinking or driving for coal, &c., attended
with success.
FINGER GRIP. A tool used in boring for gripping
the upper end of the rods.
FIRE. 1. A collier's term for the explosive gas met
with in mines.
2. To blast with gunpowder.
3. To explode or blow up. The expression " the pit
has fired " signifies that an explosion of fire-damp has
taken place.
4. A gob fire.
5. A word painted upon a piece of board and fixed in
the workings to indicate the presence of gas or other
danger beyond it.
6. A word shouted out by colliers to warn one
another when a shot is fired.
FIRE BANK (M.). A spoil-bank which takes fire
spontaneously.
FIRE-BOSSES (U. S. A.). Underground officials who
examine the mine for gas, and inspect every safety
lamp taken into the colliery by the men.
FIRE-BOARD. A piece of board with the word fire
painted upon it, and suspended to a prop, &c., in the
workings, to caution men and lads not to take a naked
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 107
light beyond it, or to pass it, without consent of the
underviewer or his deputies.
FIRE BREEDING (S. S.). Any place underground
showing indications of a gob-fire.
FIRE-CLAY. Any clay that will withstand a great
heat without vitrifying. They contain from 60 per
cent, to 95 per cent, of silica, and 2 per cent, to 30 per
cent, alumina; lime or alkalies which act as a flux,
being entirely absent.
FIEE-CUBE (S.). A rude kind of furnace, about
2 feet by 3 feet.
FIRE-DAMP. The explosive gas of coal mines. Light
carburetted hydrogen. The chemical formula is C2 H4.
In every 100 parts of this gas there are generally 96 of
fire-damp, 3 • 5 of nitrogen, and • 5 of carbonic acid gas.
Being of very light specific gravity (air being 1 fire-
damp = *562 only), it is naturally- always to be found
in the highest points in the workings, that is to say, in
the cavities of the roof in the goaves, &c. Unless
mixed with four or five times its volume of air it will
not take fire but extinguishes a light. It sometimes
exists in the coal under the enormous pressure of 300
to 400 Ibs. per square inch.
FIRE-ENGINE. A pump worked by hand for playing
upon gob-fires.
" FIRE HEAVY." Words marked upon the scale of a
mercurial barometer to indicate when much fire-damp
may be expected to be given off in the mine, and to
show that extra vigilance is required to keep the venti-
lation up to its full power.
108 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
FIRE-LAMP. 1. A rough description of iron basket
on three legs or hung by chains from posts, in which
coals are burnt to give light to banksmen where gas is
not used. Fig. 72.
Fig. 72.
2. An iron bucket or basket of fire suspended in a
pit-shaft (shallow mine) to create a draught or ventila-
tion through the workings.
FIRE-MAN. A man whose duty it is to examine with
a safety lamp the underground workings and ways, to
ascertain if gas exist, to see to doors, bratticing, stop-
pings, &c., being in good order, and generally to ascer-
tain that the ventilation of the mine is efficient.
FIRE-PAN (Y.). A kind of fire-lamp (2).
FIRE KIB (S. S.). A solid rib or wall of coal left
un worked between sides of work to keep off gob fires.
FIRE-STINK. Smell, indicating spontaneous combus-
tion in a coal pit.
FIRE-STONE (Som.). Synonymous with Fire-day.
FIRE-TRIER (M.). See Fireman.
FIRING A MINE. Maliciously setting fire to a coal
pit.
FIRING-LINE. A lighted candle attached to a string
and drawn up over a long pole stuck in loose rubbish
on the floor of the mine, until it came in contact with
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 109
fire-damp, which was thereby exploded or fired in order
to get rid of it. [A very objectionable way of clearing
the workings of gas commonly practised in former
days.]
FIRING-POINT. That at which fire-damp mixed with
atmospheric air ignites or explodes. When there is
four times as much air as gas the explosion is very
feeble indeed, but increases in force as more air is
added. 9 of air and 1 of gas causes the most violent
explosion. When the proportion is 14 of air to 1 of
gas the mixture ceases to ignite.
FIRST MAN (Lei.). The head butty or coal getter in
a stall, who is appointed by the manager and is respon-
sible for the safety of the men working under him, and
for the proper working of the coal, which includes
holing, getting, filling, pack building, timbering, &c. He
maintains order and regularity amongst his fellow-
workmen and in carrying on the work of stalling.
FIRST-WEIGHT. The first weight (2) which takes
place after commencing to excavate any large area of
coal, &c., without leaving pillars.
FIRST WORKING. Winning and proving a seam of
coal, &c., by heading out into it and preparing to work
the coal out by longwall, banks, stalls, broken, &c. First
working is chiefly paid for by measurement, an allow-
ance or charter being added, upon the tonnage. See
Second Working, Yardage.
FISH-HEAD. An apparatus for withdrawing the
clacks of pumps through the column (1).
FISSLE or FISTLE (N.). To make a faint crackling
110 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
noise, which takes place when creep begins in the
workings.
FITTING (S.). The shafts and plant of a colliery.
FLAG (Ch.). A bed of hard marl stone overlying the
rock head in salt mines.
FLAIKES (S.). Shaly or fissile sandstone.
FLAMPER (D.). Clay ironstone in beds or seams.
FLANCH (N.). The flange or broad ends of pump
trees or other iron pipes where joined to one another.
FLANK HOLES. Holes bored into the sides of head-
ings or other underground workings, to test the thick-
ness of a rib or barrier, or the position of old workings
likely or known to contain water or gas, or both.
• FLANNELS. Suits of stout white flannel clothes pro-
vided by the masters for the enginewright and his
assistant for wearing in an engine-pit or other wet place
when doing repairs, &c. ; also a flannel coat is often
allowed to a lottomer, a night watch, &c.
FLAPPER-TOPPED AIR CROSSING. An air crossing
fitted with a double door or valve giving direct com-
munication between the two air currents when forced
open by the blast of an explosion. The flappers or doors
being so arranged that they should fall to or close of
themselves immediately the blast is passed, and so restore
the ventilation to its ordinary course. The object of
the doors is to preserve the overcast from damage in the
event of the pit firing.
FLAPS. Eectangular wooden valves about 24 inches
X 18 inches x 1J inch thick, hung vertically to the
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. Ill
framework of the air chambers of the Nixon Ventilator.
See Ventilator.
FLASH (Ch.). A subsidence of the surface due to
the working of rock salt and pumping of brine.
FLAT. 1. (N.) A place underground at which corves
are put upon the volleys, or where tubs are run off and
on into cages.
2. (D.) A district or set of stalls separated by faults,
old workings, or barriers of solid coal.
FLAT COALS (S.). Seams of coal lying horizontal or
at a low angle.
FLATMAN (N.). One who links the tubs together at
the flats (1) or levels.
FLAT -NOSE SHELL. See Cleanser.
FLATS. 1. Subterraneous beds or sheets of trap rock
or whin.
2. (N. S.) Tracts of coal-seams which lie at a mode-
rate inclination in districts containing rearers.
FLAT SHEETS. Iron plates laid as a floor of the pit
bank (2), upon which the coal tubs are easily moved
about.
FLAT SHUTS (Y.). Heavy iron plates forming part
of the Jieapstead.
FLATTING (D.). Drawing or leading coals under-
ground with horses and lads.
FLEEK (M.). Coal or other rock is said to fleek off
when humps or masses of it fall off from a slip or fault
in the workings without giving warning, or without
. much labour in cutting, &c.
112 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
FLINT (Sh.). Fine grained sandstone suitable for
building purposes.
FLITCHING (N. S.). Widening the sides of a heading.
FLOAT. A clean rent or fissure in strata unaccom-
panied by dislocation.
FLOOR. 1. The stratum of rock, &c., upon which a
seam of coal, &c., immediately lies.
2. That part of any subterraneous gallery upon which
you walk or upon which a tramway is laid.
FLOTZ. The German for seam or led.
FLUE (S. W.). A furnace, which see.
FLUSH (M.). A small quantity of ignited fire-damp.
FLY-DOORS (N.). Doors in working roadways, opening
either way.
FLYING KEED (S. S). The thinning out or splitting
up in a northerly direction of the " Thick coal " seam.
FOAL (N.). A small boy who assists a putter.
FOALEY BANT (D.). A cluster of three or four boys
sitting in chain loops attached to a hemp rope a few
feet above the heads of a bunch of several men (also
riding in chains attached to the same rope) in which
position they used formerly to ride up and down a pit
shaft.
FOLLOWING DIRT (L.). Loose shale, &c., in a thin
bed forming the roof of a coal seam, which has to be
taken down in the workings in order to prevent it falling
and thereby causing accidents.
FOLLOWING-IN. A shift arriving at a working place
before the previous one has finished work.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 113
FOLLOWING-UP BANK (Y.). A breadth of about 6
yards of coal taken off on either side of a leading lank.
FOOT. That part of the face of a heading next the
floor.
FOOTRILL, FUTTERIL, and FOOTRAIL. The entrance
to a mine by means of a level driven into a hill-side,
or a dip road, up which coal is brought.
FOTHER (N.). A measure of coals, 17f cwt., being
an ordinary cartload for one horse.
FORCER. A pump by which the water is raised with
a ram or plunger ; in short, a force-pump.
FOUDROYAGE (F.). See Falls.
FOUL. A condition of the atmosphere of a mine, so
mixed by any gases as to be unfit for respiration or
working in.
FOUL COAL. Faulty, or otherwise unmarketable
coal.
FOULS. Where seams of coal disappear for a certain
space and are replaced by some foreign matter.
FOUND. When sinking or driving to find or prove a
mine of coal, &c., as soon as it is met with it is said to
have been found, or ascertained to lie and be.
FOUNDATION (M.). The shafts, machinery, build-
ings, railways, workshops, &c., of a colliery, commonly
called a plant.
FOSSE (F. and Belg.). A colliery or coal pit.
FOSSIL (M.). A local term formerly used for a par-
ticular kind of rock bed met with in sinking. Cank,
lignite, &c., were called by this name.
FRAME-DAM. A solid stopping or dam in a mine
i
114: A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
constructed of timber balks in a watertight manner so
as to entirely keep back and resist the pressure of a
heavy head of water.
FRAME TUBBING. Solid wood tubbing, entirely com-
posed of rings or curls of wood about 8" X 6" square
built up in segments and wedged to keep it water-
tight
FREE-DRAINAGE LEVEL. See Adit.
FREE MINER (F. D.). A man born within the
hundred of St. Briavel*, in the county of Gloucester,
who has worked a year and a day in a mine.
FREE SHARE (Som.). A certain proportion of a
royalty on coal, &c., paid to lessor by lessee.
FRENZIED (S. S.). Crushed by the creep or subsi-
dence of the cover.
FUR. A deposit of lime and other minerals upon the
sides of pumps, boilers, &c.
FURNACE. A large coal fire at or near to the bottom
of an upcast shaft for producing a current of air for
ventilating the mine. The power of a furnace where
the shafts are 600 yards deep and over, is probably
greater than that of a fan as ordinarily constructed.
As much as 400,000 cubic feet of air per minute have
been passed up a single shaft by furnace ventilation.
It has its disadvantages, however, viz. the chief being, the
liability of sparks fcom it to ignite an explosive mixture
in the upcastr and thereby cause an explosion in the
mine attended with terrible consequences. The excessive
heat in the shaft, rendering it in many cases unlit for
winding in, or for any other than ventilating purposes.
The liability of the tires to get low through the negli-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 115
gence of the fumaceman. Of the heat of the furnace
to set fire to the coal, &c., in the locality ; of the shaft-
fittings to take fire; the tubbing, &c., to become
dangerously weak from the effects of heat, wet, &c.
FURNACEMAN. One whose sole occupation is to keep
the furnace going.
FURTHERANCE (N.). An additional sum of money
paid per score to hewers, putters, &c., as an allowance in
respect of inferior coal, a bad roof, & fault, &c.
FUSE or FUZE. A small train of gunpowder en-
closed in a hollow cord of hemp, &c., for firing off shots.
&
GAD. An iron wedge used for breaking down coals,
&c.
GAGING (8. S.). A small embankment or heap of
slack or rubbish, made at the entrance to a heading, &c.,
as a nv,-ans of foncmg it off.
GAGS. Chips of wood in a sinking pit bottom, or
sump.
GAILLETINS (Belg.). Bound coal
GAIN (M,). A transverse channel or cutting made
in the sides of a roadway underground for the insertion
of a dam or close permanent stopping, the object being
to prevent any gas escaping or any air entering, and
to retain the dam in a firm position.
GALE (F. D.). A specified tract of mineral property
granted by the Crown to a colliery proprietor or com-
pany for working the mines.
I 2
116
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GALEE (F. D.). The owner of a Gale.
GALLOWS (N.). A crown tree with a prop placed
underneath each end of it. See Fig. 59.
GANG. 1. (M.) To go ; to move along.
2. A train or set of pit tubs or trams.
GANGER (M.). One who is employed at conveying
minerals along the gangways in or about a mine, which
employment is known as ganging.
GANG-RIDER. A lad who rides with or upon the
trams upon underground engine planes, to give signals
when necessary, and to work any clips, &c. See Haulage
Clip.
GANGWAY (Pa.). The main haulage road or level,
which is driven on the strike of the mine.
GANNEN (N.). A "board down which coals are con-
veyed in tubs running upon rails.
GANNISTER. A very hard and compact, extremely
siliceous fire-clay, being the floor of
some of the lower coal seams of the
Midland coalfield. It is often crowded
with the fossil Stigmaria, and is largely
made use of for lining the interiors of
steel furnaces, converters, &c.
GARLAND. 1. A wooden or cast-iron
curb set in the walling of a pitshaft to
catch and conduct away into a pipe
or lodge, any water which runs down
the shaft sides. See cross section
of a garland or water curb, Fig. 73.
2. A wooden frame, rectangular in
form, and strengthened with iron corner-plates, for
Fig. 73.
a. small blocks
of wood placed at
intervals round the
curb to support the
upper ring 6.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
117
Fig. 74.
keeping the coals together upon the top of a tram, &c.,
when heavy loading is practised in a mine. Some-
times two, and even three are used
upon one load. See end view, Fig. 74.
GAS. See Fire-damp. Generally any
mixture of this gas and air in an ex-
plosive condition is called gas.
GAS COAL. That which yields a
large quantity of illuminating gas on
distillation, together with freedom from
sulphur and other impurities. Cannel coal is generally
a good sort for gas-making purposes.
GAS DRAIN. A heading driven in a mine for the
special purpose of carrying off or draining away^re-
damp from a goaf or other working. Sometimes a
bore-hole put down from an upper to a lower seam of
coal with a similar
object, or a bore-hole put
into the floor to liberate
gas, which is known in
some places to exist in
coal under the enormous
pressure of over 300 Ibs.
to the square inch.
GAS-MAN (U. S. A.).
See Fireman, Fire-losses.
GAS-PIPE (M.). A
short wooden pipe about 4" x 4" inside, having its upper
end open to the roof in the cavity to which it is applied,
and the lower end opening into the bratticing (see
Fig. 75), so that any gas given off in the roof is, by the
Fig. 75.
118 A GLOSSAKY OF TERMS
air drawn up the pipe, diffused and carried away as
formed, and no fall of roof at that point can suddenly
force out gas previously accumulated, upon naked
lights.
GATE (from the Saxon verb Gangum, to go). An
underground road connecting a stall with a main road
or inclined plane, worked either by horses and ponies
or by self-acting incline ropes or chains.
GATE-END. The inbye end of a gate.
GATE-END PLATE (M.). A large iron plate or sheet
about 4' 6" square and J" thick, upon which trams are
turned round upon coming out of the stall face to be
taken along the gate. Smaller plates are sometimes
used, one laid between the tram-rails and one on either
side of it.
GATE-ROAD (M.). See Gate.
GATE-WAY (M.). See Gate.
GATHER (D.). To drive a heading through disturbed
or faulty ground in such a way as to meet with the
seam of coal, &c., sought, at a convenient level or point
on the opposite side. See Eat-out.
GAUGE-DOOR. A "wooden door fixed in a mine in an
airway for regulating the supply of ventilation neces-
sary for a certain district, or number of men, &c. Its
opening is adjusted by various means, and is solely con-
trolled by the underviewer or manager.
GAD TON (S.). A narrow channel or ricket, cut in the
floor of an underground roadway.
GAUZE LAMP (S.). A (so-called) safety-lamp, for-
merly commonly used in the Scotch coal-pits. It is
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 119
a kind of Davy lamp, with a gauze top about 3 inches
in diameter, and has no brass frame to strengthen it,
and no glass.
GAVELLER (F. D.). The Crown agent, or gale giver •,
who has power to grant gales to free miners.
GAWL (L.). An unevenness in a coal wall.
GAYETTE (Belg.). Large picked coals.
GAYLETTEBIE (Belg.). Second quality coals.
GEAR (N.). A collier's tools, consisting of picks,
drills, wedges, hammer, shovel, &c.
GEARS. 1. (N.) See Double Timber.
2. (N.) Staging and rails erected at quays over coal
drops.
GEODES (Lei.). Large nodules of ironstone, hollow
in the centre.
GEORDIE. A safety-lamp invented by "the father
of the railway system " (George Stephenson) in 1815.
He, although quite independently of Sir H. Davy (who
also invented a safety-lamp, the Davy), is said to have
been the first to produce a lamp which would indicate
an explosive mixture of gas and air in a mine without
causing an explosion. The Geordie lamp is extinguished
by the presence of firedamp. The flame of this lamp
is surrounded by a glass cylinder fitted with a per-
forated metal cap, a wire gauze cylinder forming the
outer or essential part of the arrangement. The gas
enters the lamp through a number of small holes in the
base of the lamp-top, takes fire at the flame, and the
aft&r-damp (the products of combustion) puts out the
light. It, however, gives a miserable light, and is un-
120 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
safe when exposed to a high velocity in an air-current
charged with much gas.
GERMAN. A straw filled with gunpowder to act as a
fuze in blasting operations.
GET. 1. To work away or excavate by mining either
under or above ground.
2. The produce or output, in tons, of a colliery or
mine during a certain period, e. g. 125,000 tons in six
months.
GETTING. Cutting, falling, and loading up of the
coals, &c., in a mine.
GETTING BOCK (S. S.). Clay ironstone in the roof
of a coal-seam, which is worked in conjunction with the
coal
GHOST (S. S.). A Hue cap on a candle or lamp.
GIB. A short prop of timber by which the coal is
supported whilst being holed, or undermined. See
Sprag.
GIN or HORSE GIN. A drum and framework carry-
ing small pulleys, &c., by which the minerals and dirt
are raised from a shallow pit, not exceeding say 35
yards, or from a dip incline from surface, or one in the
workings. A gin is also used for raising the materials,
&c., in building tall chimneys, &c.
GIN-BEAM (S. S.). A timber cross-bar carrying the
pulley- wheels over the top of a gin-pit.
GINGING (D.). The walling or lining of a pit-shaft.
GINNEY. See Jinney.
GIN-PIT. A shallow mine or a pit-shaft, say from
10 to 35 yards deep, worked by a gin. The coal is
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 121
hoisted in small wooden tubs or boxes without wheels,
carrying about 3 cwt. each, and swinging loose in the
pit-shaft, one up and one down.
GIN-RACE or GIN-RING. A wide excavation near
the top of an underground inclined plane to the dip in
which a gin is fixed. When on the surface it means
the circular space occupied by the gin, &c.
GIRDLES (N.). Thin beds of sandstone, &c., exposed
in a sinking-pit or in a lore-hole.
GLANCE COAL. Another term for Anthracite, which
see.
GLASS. A collier's word for a dial.
GOAF, or GOAVE. That part of a mine from which
the coal, &c., has been worked away and the space more
or less filled up. See Double Stall, Fig. 58 ; also Head
(8), Fig. 80.
GOB. 1. Another word for Goaf.
2. To leave behind in the mine coal and other
minerals which are not marketable.
3. To stow or pack full of rubbish any useless under-
ground roadway.
GOBBIN or GOBBING (Lei.). See Goaf.
GOB-FIRE. Spontaneous combustion underground.
It would seem in a great measure to be due to the
action of iron pyrites becoming oxidized by the co-
operation of moisture. During the decomposition the
coal becomes split up, and exposes a larger surface to
the air ; the ferrous salt is then oxidized into the ferric
salt, which gives up its oxygen to the coal. In order
to prevent gob-fires it would appear necessary to exclude
122 A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
all currents of air, unless passed through the place from
the commencement in a strong current, so as to act as
a cooling agent.
GOB ROAD. A gallery or way in the mine carried
through a goaf. Many seams of coal, &c., are worked
by what is known as the gob-road system — that is to
say, all the main and branch roadways are made and
maintained through the exhausted portions of the
mine, the regular workings in which are opened out and
carried forward from the sides of the shaft-pillar. Mines
worked upon the long wall system are generally worked
gol-road, particularly in the Midland counties of
England, where the mines are very flat.
GOB-WALL (S. W.). A rough kind of wall constructed
of the stone from the roof, &c., built up and carried on
along either side of a gob road in order to keep up the
roof and maintain a good roadway through the pit.
GOING. Being worked forward or advanced in any
direction, e.g. headings in course of being worked or
cut are said to be going.
GOING BOAKD (N.). A board down which coals are
trammed, or one along which the stuff from several
working places is conveyed into the main wagon-way.
GOOSE (F. D.). A water-barrel or tub.
GOSKINS.
GOT-ON-KNOBS (S. S.). A system formerly practised
of working the Thick coal, being a kind of board and
pillar plan, the main roadways being first driven up to
the boundary.
GOTTEN (M.). Worked out or exhausted mine
(1 and 2).
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 123
GOUTWATEK (F. D.). Mine water containing sul-
phuretted hydrogen.
GOWL (D.). Roof and sides are said to gowl or gowl-
out when they break down and cause trouble.
GRABS (Pa.). A tool for extricating broken boring
tools out of a borehole (1), consisting of two iron side-
rods fitted at the lower ends with half arrow-headed
points facing inwards.
GRAFTING SPADE. A long narrow-plated spade for
digging clay.
GRAITH (S.). Tools used by a collier (1).
GRAPIN (F.). A tool used in the Kind-Chandron
system of sinking shafts. It is in form like a gigantic
pair of scissors, the points of which cut away and trim
up the edges of the shaft in preparing a seat or bed for
the moss-box to rest upon.
GRAPPEL. A cutting tool for obtaining a solid
specimen of the rock bored into. See Carrot.
GRASS. The surface. The pit bank (1). The ex-
pression " gone to grass " means gone up the pit or
gone to bank (1).
GRATHE (N.). To replace, repair, dress, or put in
order.
GRATHELY (N.). Tidy, orderly.
GRATHER (N.). See Changer.
GRAVEL WALL (W.). The junction of a coal-seam
with overlapping or unconformable Permian, &c., rocks.
GREEN KOOF. A miner's term for a roof which has
not broken down or weighted at all.
GREYS (Som.). Hard siliceous sandstone.
124 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
GRIDAW (S. W.). Pulley Frames or Head Gear,
which see.
GRIMES (S. W.). See Bell-mould.
GRIST (S. W.). A black coaly stratum indicating a
probable vein of coal not far off.
GRISOU (F.). See Fire-damp.
GRIZZLE. Inferior coal with an admixture of specks
and patches of iron pyrites, and often sooty.
GROS MORCEAUX (Belg.). Coal in very large lumps.
GROUND. Strata or measures. When strata do not
contain coal or other mines of sufficient thickness or
value to make them workable at a profit, they are said
to be barren or unproductive ground. The terms hard
ground, soft ground, faulty ground, broken ground, &c.,
are very commonly made use of.
GROUND BAILIFF (M.). Old term for Manager.
His duties were to look after the getting and sending to
bank (1) of the coal, keep the ventilation right, &c. ;
but had generally nothing to do with the machinery
or mechanical department of the colliery.
GROUND BLOCKS. Pulley blocks to which the
ground spears are hung.
GROUND CRAB. A species of capstan used for
lowering the sinking set of pumps as the shafts get
deeper.
GROUND KENT. Bent paid for surface occupied by
the plant, &c., of a colliery ; generally double the
usual agricultural or surface-rent.
GROUND BOPES. Hemp ropes for passing through
the ground blocks to the ground crabs.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 125
GROUND SPEARS. Wooden pump-rods (one on each
side of the set or pump trees), to which the pumps in a
sinking-pit are suspended.
GROWL (M.). Coal pillars, &c., are said to growl
when they are undergoing a crushing weight.
GUELL (I.). CoaL
GUG (Som.). A self-acting inclined plane under-
ground ; sometimes a dip incline.
GUIDES. 1. See Cage Guides.
2. A boring-rod having an enlargement or wings fitted
to it to suit the size of the borehole (1) for steadying
the rods when a considerable depth has been attained.
GUIDING BED. A thin band or seam of coal, &c., in
a nip leading to the regular seam on either side of
it. See Fig. 70 (2).
GULCHING (N. S.). The moving and crackling noise
made by a weight coming on underground.
GUM (S.). Free-burning small slack or duff.
GUNBOAT (Pa.). A car or wagon holding from 5 to
8 tons of coal, used upon inclined planes or slopes. They
are filled by emptying the trams into them at the foot
of the slope, and empty themselves on reaching the
surface, when the coal runs down on to screens for sepa-
ration and cleaning.
Guss (B.). A short piece of rope by which a boy
draws a tram or sled in a pit.
GUTTER. 1. (F. D.) An air-way through a goaf.
2. Candles or dips, when subjected to the warm air
of a mine, waste away very rapidly, and are said to
gutter or sweal.
126 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
GUTTERING (Pa.). A channel or pipe cut along the
side of a pit shaft to conduct the water not tubbed lack
into a lodge or sump.
GUTTER-UP (M.). See Cut-up.
GUYS. Strong wire ropes or cables attached near the
top of headstocks, and anchored at the ground to keep
them steady.
GWYTHYEN (S. W.). A vein or seam.
H.
H-PiECE. A strong pipe cast in the form of a
letter H containing the Fj ?6
bottom clack of a forcing
sett (1) of pumps. One
side communicates with
the plunger, the other
with the suction and
delivery, and has a clack
door on it. See Fig. 76.
HACK (N.). A. pick or tool with which colliers cut or
hew the coal, and use in
Fig. 77.
sinking and stone drifting.
It weighs about 7 Ibs.
HADE. The dip, incli-
nation, or underlie of a
fault, measured by the
angle between a vertical
plane and the plane of the fault. In Fig. 77 the dotted
line a b represents the hade as distinguished from the
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 127
throw or amount of displacement which is the length
of the line a c.
HAGGED (S.). Hewn or cut.
HALF-CO UESE. Half on the level and half on the dip.
HALF- END. See Horn Coal.
HALF-END AND BOARD (Y.). See Horn Coal.
HALF-MARROW (N.). A butty or partner.
HALF-MOON. A scaffold nearly filling up one half
the sectional area of a pit-shaft, or in plan the form of a
half-moon, upon which repairs are done.
HAND DOG. A kind of spanner or wrench for
screwing up and disconnecting the joints of loring rods
at the surface.
HANDFUL (B. and Som.). A length of four inches.
HAND or HANDLE. To work a winding, pumping,
hauling, or other engine.
HANDLING (M.). Reloading coals underground from
one tub to another.
HANG (B.). The He or hade of o, fault.
HANGER ON. The man who runs the full trams
upon the cages and gives the signals to lank (1).
HANGING ON. The pit bottom, level, or inset, at
which the cages are loaded.
HANGING SPEAR-RODS. Wooden pump-rods adjustable
by screws, &c., by which a sinking sett of pumps is
suspended in a shaft.
HARD-HEADING. A heading, tunnel, or drift, driven
in stone or measures.
HARDS (M.). Coals of a hard and close-grained
character.
128 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
HARP (S.)» To fill a hutch with coal at the face.
HATCH (B.). See Door.
HATCHING (B.). An underground way or self-acting
inclined plane, in a thin seam of coal, carried up from
60 to 80 yards to the rise.
HAT KOLLERS. Cast iron or steel rollers, shaped
like a hat, revolving
upon a vertical pin, for FIG. 78.
guiding incline hauling
ropes round curves. See
Fig 78,
HAULAGE or HAULING.
The drawing or convey-
ing of the produce of the mine from the working places
to the bottom of the winding pit. This work may be
performed in the following ways : — By pushing the
trams by hand, as is done in very small pits ; by horses
or ponies drawing several trams at a time ; by self-acting
inclined planes driven of course to the rise ; by
stationary engines worked by steam, compressed air, or
hydraulic power working wire ropes, or chains, and by
locomotives working with compressed air. In most
mines some kind of mechanical haulage is to be found, but
horses are invariably used as well, to convey the trams
from the stalls, &c., on to the main roads. Hauling
coals a distance of about three miles is occasionally
performed. Horses to the number of 80 are sometimes
to be found assisting in hauling in one colliery, and over
2000 tons of mineral are sometimes conveyed to the pit
bottom in one day.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
129
HAULAGE CLIP. Levers, jaws, wedges, &c., by which
trams, singly or in trains, are connected to the hauling
ropes. There are several ingenious and simple arrange-
ments in use, some of which are given in Fig. 79.
Fig. 79.
HAULIEE. A boy or man who goes with a pony or
horse in the pit, or who attends the trains upon engine
planes, &c.
HAUNT (Som.). See Landsale.
HAZLE (N.). A tough mixture of sandstone and
shale.
HEAD. 1. Any road, level, or other subterraneous
passage driven or formed in the solid coal, &c., for the
130
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
purpose of proving and working the mine. A common
size for an ordinary head is 6 feet by 6 feet, though the
sectional area depends entirely upon circumstances,
some being as much as 70 to 80 square feet, the
smallest about 8 or 10 square feet.
2. That part of a face nearest to the roof.
3. (Som.) Any length of working faces.
4. (S. S.) A shift or day's work by the stint in
heading (2) out, or driving of deadwork.
5. The top end of the "boring rods above the surface.
6. Pressure of water in pounds per square inch, or, of
so many feet.
7. To cut or otherwise form a narrow passage or head
(1).
8. A lift (3). See Fig 80, showing a seam being
worked in three "heads.
Fig. 80.
9. See Motive Column.
HEAD-COAL (S.). The upper portion of a thick seam
of coal which is worked in two or more lifts (3).
HEADER (M.). A collier or coal cutter who drives a
head (1) ; he is paid by the yard and also receives so
much per ton upon the large coals sent out.
HEAD-GEAR. The pulley-frame erected over a wind-
ing shaft constructed of iron or timber or both, and
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 131
sometimes reaching to 72 feet in height. For boring
work it is generally from 30 to 40 feet high, though
as much as 80 feet are occasionally employed, Norway
fir being the kind of timber used.
HEADING. 1. See Head (1).
2. The operation of driving a head (1).
3. (Pa.) A level driven parallel to a gangway and
usually the return airway of the mine.
4. (S.) The top portion above the tub sides of the
load carried.
HEAD-ROOM. Height as between the floor and the
roof anything above 6 feet is considered good head-room
in a pit.
HEAD-SIDE (N. S.). The rise side of a heading (1)
driven on the strike.
HEADSMAN (N.). A putter or haulier, which see.
HEADSTOCKS. See Headgear.
HEAD-TREE (N.). A portion of a crown-tree about .12
inches in length.
HEADWAYS (N.). The direction of the cleat or
a place (1) driven parallel with the cleat, that is,
end-on.
HEADWAYS COURSE (N.). When a set of headings or
walls extend from side to side of a set of boards they are
said to be driven headways course.
HEAP (S.). To load up a tub above the top of
the sides.
HEAP-KEEPER (N.). The head lariksman who looks
after the sorting and cleaning of the coals, and keeps
order about the pit top, &c.
K 2
132 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
HEAP -STEAD. The entire surface works about a
colliery shaft; includes the headgear, loading and
screening- arrangements, winding and pumping engines,
&c., with their respective houses. The workshops,
stores, &c., being sometimes built into the same block
surrounding the pit top. Fig. 81 is a plan of a neap-
stead of a large colliery.
HEAT. The elevated temperature produced by spon-
taneous combustion.
HEATH or YERTH (S. S.). Earth.
HEAVE. 1. See Creep.
2. A fault of dislocation.
HEAVY. The hollow sound produced when knocking
on a roof, &c., which is giving way. An unsound or
dangerous roof is said to knock heavy.
HEAVY^FIRE (N.). An extensive and severe explo-
sion.
HEIVER. A coal cutter or hewer.
HELVE or HELVER. The handle of a pick or maun-
drill
HESS (S. S.). Clinker from furnaces of boilers.
HEUGHS or HEUCHS (S.). Ancient term for coal
seams or coal workings.
HEWER. A collier who cuts coal.
HIGH PILLAR. See Shaft Pillar.
HILL (N. M.). An underground inclined plane.
HINGING (Y.). See Cap, re Ropes.
HIT. To find, prove, or cut into a coal seam, fault,
&c.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
133
134 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
HITCH. 1. (S.) A. fault of dislocation of less throw
than the thickness of the seam in which it occurs.
2. (S. W.) To attach trams to hauling ropes by short
chains, &c.
HITCH AND STEP (S. W.). A system of regulating
the distance between
the faces of stalls in
long-wall work. See
Fig. 82.
HITCHER. The man
who runs trams into or out of the cages, gives the
signals at lank (1), and attends at the shaft when men
are riding in it.
HOD (F. D.). A cart or sled for conveying coals in
the stalls of thin seams.
HOG-BACK. Sharply rising of the floor of a coal
seam.
HOGGER. 1. (N.) Stockings without feet, chiefly
worn by hauliers.
2. The uppermost pipe of a pumping sett, through
the side of which water is discharged through a wide
leather pipe.
HOIST. An elevator or lift, either single or double
acting, worked by steam or hydraulic power, for
raising the tubs of coal on to the screening stage from
the lank (1) level.
HOLD OUT ! (D.) This was shouted by the
"banksman down a pit-shaft to the bottomer when a bant
of men were about to descend the shaft, to let him
know that he was not to send up a load of coals
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 135
against the bant, but merely the empty rope or chain,
in order to avoid accident by collision known as
a wedding, which see.
HOLE. 1. To undercut a seam of coal, &c., -by
chipping away the coal, &c., with a pick, or by the
employment of a machine worked by compressed air to
do the same work.
2. A borehole, which see.
3. To make a communication from one part of a
mine to another.
HOLES (N.). The different fiats (1) or stages from
which the cages are loaded at the pit bottom.
HOLES OF SAWYER (S. S.). Blocks of the Thick or
Ten-yard coal-seam formed by holing, and then cutting
the sides upwards by forming vertical grooves between
the mass to be brought down and the sides of the pillars
to be left unwrought to support the roof. [The term
sawyer refers to a particular band or layer forming
portion of the Thick coal.]
HOI-ING. 1. The wedge-shaped portion of a seam
or floor removed from beneath the coal before it is
broken down. Sometimes the holing is made in the top
of the seam, sometimes in or about the middle. It is
only in hard or moderately hard coals that holing to any
considerable depth or distance under is necessary ; but
in order to produce coals in the best possible shape or
size deep holing is indispensable. A hard seam should
be holed to a depth of not much less than the thickness
of the seam, e. g. a six feet seam holed five to six feet
under. See Bannocking.
2. A short passage connecting two roads.
136 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
HOLLOW KEAMEE (Pa.). A tool for straightening
a crooked borehole (1).
HOLLOWS. Old abandoned workings.
HOME (N.). In the direction of the shafts. When
a certain quantity of air has circulated through a
sufficient length of workings it is sent home or direct to
the upcast.
Hoo CANNEL. Impure earthy cannel coal.
HOOKEE ON. See Hanger on.
HOPES (N.). Valleys formed by denudation in the
coal measures of the County of Durham.
HOPPITT. See Bowk.
HOEN COAL. Coal worked partly end-on and partly
face-on. This is the proper way to work a hard seam
to the best advantage. "
HOEN-SOCKET (Pa.). See Bellscrew.
HOESE. See D-Link.
HORSE-BEANS (Ch.). A stratum of a granular struc-
ture immediately overlying the rock salt beds, in which
the rock-head brine runs.
HOESE-FETTLEE (S. S.). A man who looks after the
underground horses and ponies.
HOESE GIN. See Gin.
HOESE-HEIGHT (M.). Distance between the floor and
the roof, for a horse to travel without knocking his
head, &c.
HOESE-LOAD (L.). A measure of weight used in
some parts of East Lancashire. 1 horse load = 4 cwt
or 5 horse loads to a ton.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 137
HORSE-ROAD. An underground way worked by
horsing.
HORSES or HORSEBACKS. Natural channels cut, or
washed away by water, in a coal seam, and filled up
with shale and sandstone. Sometimes a bank or ridge
of foreign matter in a coal seam.
HORSE -TREE. A strong timber beam to carry
pumps, &c.
HORSING. Drawing trams underground by horses
and ponies.
HOUSE, HOUSE-FIRE, HOUSEHOLD COAL. Has a
hard fracture and in burning leaves little ash, and that
of a reddish-brown colour.
HOWDIE HORSE (N.). A pit horse kept on the
surface for use in cases of emergency.
How WAY ! (N.) Lower the cage down.
HUDDOCK (N.). The cabin of a Jceel, which see.
HUDGE (Som.). See Bcnvk. Also a small lox or
tram without wheels running on timber slides, drawn
by a boy in thin and steep seams.
HUGGER (N.). A Back or Cleat.
HUNCH (D.).
HUND (Pr.), meaning dog. A rectangular iron tram
or wagon on four small wheels with a projecting pin
beneath it to run between the rails (wooden), and thus
guide the movement. Used as long ago as 1550.
HUNDRED. Hundredweight (cwt).
HUNKER (In.). Yellowish clay containing concre-
tionary nodules.
138 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
HUNTING COAL (T.). Eils and posts of coal left for
second working. ,
HURDLE SCREEN (S.). A temporary screen or
curtain for clearing gas out of a pit.
HURLEY (S.). A Hutch.
HURRIER. See Haulier. Generally small boys.
HURRY. To haul, pull, or push trams of coal, &c., in
a mine.
HUTCH (S.). See Box.
HUTCH KUNNER (S.). Boy who draws hutches.
HYDRAULIC PUMPING ENGINE. An apparatus using
water as its motive power, for draining such portions of
the underground workings as are below the level, or to
the dip of the shafts ; for pumping water up a shaft to
the surface pumping engine, or to a steam engine placed
part way down the shaft. The principle of its action
is that of employing water at a given head (6) to raise
a larger quantity against less head.
I.
IN. When a stall or other working place in a mine
is blocked up with fallen roof, &c., it is said to be in, or
to have come in.
INBYE. Going into the interior of a mine, away from
the shafts or other openings. Fresh air and empty
tubs go iribye.
INCLINE. 1. Short for Inclined Plane. Any under-
ground roadway which is driven at an angle to the
horizon. If to the rise it is worked by a self-acting
arrangement, if to the deep by a steam or other engine.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 139
2. To dip sufficiently to form a self-acting incline (1).
INCLINE EOPE HAULAGE. A system of haulage in
which, a single rope is used, or where the inclination of
the plane is such as to allow of the empty tiibs drawing
the rope in after them.
INCLINE DRAW-ENGINE. A stationary surface in-
clined-plane engine.
INDICATOR. 1. A mechanical contrivance attached
to winding, hauling, or other machinery which shows
the position of the cages in the shaft or the trams upon
an incline during its journey or run.
2. An apparatus for showing the presence of fire-
damp in mines. The temperature of goaves. The
speed of a ventilator, &c. And also for calculating the
power of an engine.
IN-DOOR CATCHES. Strong beams in Cornish pump-
ing engine-houses, to catch the beam in case of a
smash, and prevent damage to the engine itself.
IN-DOOR STROKE. That stroke of a Cornish pump-
ing engine which lifts the water in the bottom or
drawing lift.
IN FORK. When pumps are working with the water
having receded below some of the holes of the wind-
lore, they are said to be in fork
INGATE (N.). See Inset.
IN-GOING. That which is going iribye.
IN-OVER. See Iribye.
INSET. The entrance to a mine at the bottom or
part way down a shaft where the cages are loaded. See
Fig. 69.
140 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
INSPECTOR. 1. (N.) A man appointed to overlook
the 'banking and screening department.
2. Her Majesty's Inspector of Mines, of whom, there
are several.
INTAKE. 1. The fresh air airway or road going iribye,
commencing at the bottom of the downcast.
2. The fresh air descending into a colliery.
INTERBEDDED. When patches or layers of strata or
of trap (having no true relation to the coal measures)
lie between two beds, the rocks are said to be inter-
bedded, e.g. the sheet of intrusive dolerite in the
Leicestershire coal-field.
IRON MAN. A collier's term for a coal-cutting
machine.
IRONSTONE. A term usually applied to argillaceous
or clay ironstone, containing from 20 per cent, to
40 per cent, of iron. It is very commonly met with in
the coal measures, and takes the form of thin beds or
layers and of nodules or balls of various sizes and
shapes — is interstratified with the shales and clays
throughout the entire series of the measures. Sp. gr.
about 3. A cubic foot weighs from 170 to 190 Ibs.
The ironstones or ores of the Lias and Oolite series of
rocks are found in beds as much as from 10 or 20 feet
thick, these ironstones are of less specific gravity than
the clay or llackland varieties. Great Britain produces
annually something like 15,000,000 tons of ironstones
of various kinds.
IXOLITE. A mineral found in certain bituminous
coals.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 141
J.
JACK 1. (N.) A lantern-shaped case made of tin
in which safety lamps are carried in strong currents of
ventilation.
2. (S.) One who works underground at odd
work.
JACKANAPES. The small guide pulleys of a whim.
JACK ENGINE (N.). The engine for raising men,
debris, &c., in a sinking pit.
JACK HOLES (N. S.). See Cut through.
JACK LAMP. A Davy lamp with the addition of a
glass cylinder outside the gauze.
JACK PIT (N.). A shallow pit-shaft in a mine com-
municating with an overcast, or at a fault.
JACK-ROLL. A windlass worked by hand.
JACKS. 1. (N.) Large fissures or cracks in the
roof.
2. (Lei.) Wood wedges 6" x 4" tapered at one broad
edge, so that when driven up they cannot start
again.
JACKY PIT. See Jack Pit.
JAD (Som.). A long and deep holing, cutting, or
jud, made for the purpose of detaching large blocks
of stone from their natural beds at the Bath-stone
(Oolitic) quarries, or rather underground workings, at
Box.
142 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
JADDING. The operation of forming &jad.
JADDING PICK. The tool employed to cut a jad.
They are made in sets of about three or four, with
helves ranging from three to six feet in length, to enable
thejads to be cut to a great depth.
JAILER (Som.). A small tub or box in which water
is carried in a mine.
JAM OUT (S. S.). To cut or knock away the spurns
in "holing.
JARS (Pa.). A sliding joint in "boring rods for deep
holes, consisting of two long loops of iron or steel,
sliding one within the other.
JAY (D.). Koof coal.
JENKIN (N.). An opening cut into or a slice taken
off a pillar from six to eight feet in width, in the board
and pillar system of working coal.
JET. A compact, black, lustrous, resinous variety
of lignite, susceptible of a high polish. It occurs chiefly
in the Upper Lias clays of Yorkshire, &c., in lenticular
patches or beds, nodules, and irregularly shaped masses.
Is believed to be formed of the fossilized stems of coni-
ferous trees. The Romans used it. Some 1500 hands
are employed in the jet trade (mining, cutting, polish-
ing, &c.), and the value in 1872 is stated to have been
88,OOOZ. Jet is mined by driving levels and systema-
tically exploring the strata by a kind of stoping or
overhead excavating. English jet is worth from 300Z.
to 1300?. per ton.
JIDDY (L., N. S.). See Eunner (1).
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
143
JIG. A self-acting incline worked by a drum (2) or
by wheels, with hemp or steel wire ropes. Fig. 83
shows a useful and in-
expensive arrangement 7/MM
for lisrht loads and short
Fig. 83.
runs.
See
Floor-
Fig. 84.
JIGBROW (L.).
Jig.
JIGGER. 1. (S.) A
kind of coupling hook
for connecting trams,
upon an incline.
2. (Lei.) See Onsetter.
JIG RUNNER (T.). The man who works
JINNEY. See Jig.
JINNEY TENTER. See Jig
Runner.
JITTY (Lei.). A short slit
along which empties, horses, or
workmen travel.
JOCKEY (M.). A self-acting
apparatus carried on the front
tub of a set, for releasing it
from the hauling rope at a
certain point. See Fig. 84.
JOEY (M.). A man specially
appointed to set timber in a stall during the turn (1).
He is a "butty, and is not paid for doing this work, but
takes his turn at it with the other butties in his stall
144
A GLOSSAKT OF TERMS
JOINTS. Natural divisions, cracks, or partings in
strata.
JOURNAL. A carefully kept diary, schedule, or
statistical account of the various operations connected
with the putting down of a borehole (1) in search of
coal, &c. The following arrangement of the page for
such a book may be taken as a guide in preparing the
journal ; it is taken from the work on ' Mine Engineer-
ing ' by G. G. Andre.
Descrip-
tion of
Strata.
No. of
Speci-
men
in
Case.
Thick-
ness.
Depth
from
Sur-
face.
Angle
of
Dip.
Diam.
of
Hole.
Descrip-
tion of
Tool em-
ployed.
Time
actually
occupied
in
passing
through.
Quantity
of
Water
met
with.
Xio,l
mains. |
r
JOURNEY (S. W.). A train or set of trams all coupled
together running upon an engine plane: as many as
forty sometimes.
JOWL or JOWELL (N.). See Chap.
JUD. 1. (N.) A block of coal about four yards
square kirved and nicked ready for breaking down.
2. (Som.). See Jad.
JUDGE. A staff used for gauging the depth of the
holing. Formerly a
boy who proved the
holing. Fig. 85.
JUDGE-RAPPER. The
upper end of the ver-
tical arm of a judge.
See Fig. 85.
JUMP (Jump-up, Jump-down). 1. An up-throw or a
down-throw, fault.
Fig. 85.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 145
2. To raise boring-rods in a bore-hole (1) and allow
them to fall of their own weight.
JUMPER. A hand drill used in blasting, having at
each end a chisel edge and a swell or bead in the middle
to give it more weight.
JUNKING (N.). A passage through a pillar of coal.
JUSTICE-MAN (S.). See Check-weighman.
K.
KANK (M.). A twist or snick-snarl in a rope.
KEEKER (N.). An inspector over hewers or other
workmen underground.
KEEL (N.). (A Saxon word for a long ship). An oval
shaped strong and clumsy flat-bottomed vessel for
carrying coals from staithes or drops to ships; about
20 tons capacity.
KEEL-BULLIES (N.). Men who navigate and ply the
puys of keels.
KEEL DEETERS or KEEL DOCTORS (N.). Women
and girls who sweep out keels and have the sweepings
as a perquisite.
KEELERS (N.). See Keel-bullies.
KEEPER. (Engine-keeper, Horse-keeper, &c.) See
Brakesman.
KEEPS or KEPS. See Cage Shuts.
KELF (D., Lei.). The vertical height of the back
cutting of the holing at any time during the operation
of holing a stint.
L
146
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
KELVE (I.). See Bat.
KENNEL (M.). A collier's term for cannel, which
see.
KENNER ! (N.) An expression meaning time to leave
off working, conveyed into the workings by shouting,
rapping, &c.
KEP. See Kip.
KEROSENE SHALE (N. S. W.). Oil-producing shale.
KETCHES (S. W.). See Backstays.
KETTLE (S.). A barrel in which men ride in a shaft.
KEVILS (N.). The weights of coals sent out by the
various hewers during a certain period.
KEY. A kind of spanner used in boring by hand.
Two kinds of keys are employed, one for taking the
weight off the rods (2), at the
top of the lorehole (1), when Fig. 86.
taking them off or putting them
on; it fits the rods, which are
lowered back until a box (screw
joint enlargement) rests upon it ; p
it usually has an arm on each
side to assist in screwing off the j,
rods. The other is an ordinary
key which is used for screwing
and unscrewing the rods as well.
See Fig. 86.
KIBBLE. See Bowk, but often made with a bow or
handle and carrying over a ton of debris.
ETC. 147
KIBBLES (S. S.). See Crank.
KICKER. A liberating catch made in the form of a
bell crank lever rocking on a horizontal axis. Used in
Kind's system of deep boring.
KICK-UP (N.). See Tipper.
KIDING (N.). See Holing.
KILKENNY COAL (L). See Anthracite. This Irish
coal weighs 99 Ibs. per cubic foot.
KILL. To mix atmospheric air with fire-damp or
other gases so as to make them harmless.
KIND. Generally signifies tender, soft, or easy to
work, e. g. a parting is said to be "kind when it allows
of an easy separation. Blue bind is called kind Hue
bind when it is soft and jointy and easy to sink
through.
KIND-CHAUDRON (Belg.). A system of sinking pit-
shafts through water-bearing strata. It consists in
boring out the shaft from the surface by means of
apparatus very similar in kind to that used for pro-
spective borings. Not only is the pit bored out but it is
lined with metal tubbing, and pumped dry without a
man ever going down the shaft after the water is met
with until it is passed through. The modus operandi
is somewhat as follows. By means of a very large
boring tool a shaft about 5 feet in diameter is first
bored out to a certain depth which forms the centre of
tire pit when fully enlarged. The second operation is
to bore out the shaft to the full size with a still larger
cutting tool (see Trepan) which follows the central
L 2
148 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
hole 10 or 20 yards behind. The debris is cleared by
means of a large sheet iron sludger called a cuiller.
The boring head is actuated through a lever by steam
power, making from eight to ten strokes per minute,
and the rate of advance averages about 8 feet per day
in ordinary ground. When a suitable stratum has been
found upon which to rest the tubbing, a watertight ring
packed with moss is lowered into position and upon
this are built up the rings of tubbing placed one upon
another at surface, and gradually lowered into the shaft,
until the whole of it (in some cases 800 tons) presses
and squeezes down upon the moss, forcing it against
the sides in such wise as to form a thoroughly water-
tight joint. The annular space between the rings and
side of the pit is filled by means of huge spoons dis-
charged by pistons, with beton or concrete, which when
set the water is drawn out of the interior of the pit, and
ordinary, or open-bottom sinking commenced.
KIND'S PLUG. An ovoid-shaped block of oak fixed
to a boring rod for jamming into a lining tube of a bore-
hole (I) in order to withdraw it.
KINK. See Kanh
KIP (N.). A level or gently sloping roadway going
cuibye at the extremity of an engine plane, upon which
the full tubs stand ready for being sent up the
shaft.
KIEVE (N.). To hole. Kirving is the same as
holing.
KIST (N.). A workman's tool box. A cabin in a
pit.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
149
KITCHENS. Coal prepared and sold expressly for
cooking purposes in ranges, stoves, &c.
KITTY (N.). A length of about 4 inches of straw
filled with gunpowder by which flame is communicated
to the blasting charge for firing it off in a drill
hole.
KNOCK. See Chap.
KNOCKINGS (S. W.). Signals made underground by
knocking oijowling on the coal.
KNOCK OFF. (1.) The point upon an engine plane
at which the set is disconnected from
the rope, or where a jockey comes into
play.
2. A joint for disconnecting the
bucket sword from the pump rods. See
Fig. 87.
3. To do away with.
4. See Kenner.
Fig. 87.
Hoep to
Icupjoint.
tight*
KNEELER. A quadrant by which
the direction of pump rods is re-
versed.
KOEPE SYSTEM. Winding coals in shafts without
drums, a pulley being fixed upon the main shaft instead.
The main winding rope has a cage at each end, and
merely passes half round this drum pulley. Under the
cages ordinary balance or tail ropes (2) are suspended.
Two additional, or safety ropes, are used, of about one-
half the length of the main rope — the cages being
attached to each end and small pulleys placed in the
150
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
head stocks carrying them. Fig. 88 is a rough diagram
of this system.
Fig. 88.
L.
LACING. 1. (N. S.) Timbers placed across the tops
of lars or caps to secure the roof between the gears.
2. Strips or light bars of wrought iron bent over at
the ends and wedged in tight between the lars and the
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
151
roof, as shown in the sketch Fig. 89. Great elasticity
is in this way given to the iron rods, enabling a roof
to be very efficiently and economically secured. In
Fig. 89.
place of wooden bars or head pieces, wrought-iron rail-
way rails are sometimes employed.
LADDERS (Som.). Wooden slides with cross bars
placed between them to give steadiness, on which hudges
run in steep seams.
LADE-HOLE (Lei.). A shallow hole cut in the floor
to receive the drainage, out of which it is laded in
buckets.
LAGGING. See Lacing (1).
LAGS. Long pieces of timber closely fitted together
and fastened to oak curbs or rings forming part of a drum
(3) used in sinking through quick (1) ground.
LAID OFF. When operations at a pit are entirely
suspended by reason of accident or trade exigencies,
the pit is said to be laid off.
LAM or LAMB (W.). A kind of fire-clay.
LAMB-SKIN (S. W.). See Culm. It is sold as such at
Swansea.
LAME (F.). The bar to which the cutting teeth of
a trepan are attached.
152 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
LAMESKIRTING (N.). Widening or cutting off coal,
&c., from the sides of underground roads in order to give
more room.
LAMINGS (N.). Collier's word for accidents of almost
every description to men and lads working in or about
the mines.
LAMP MEN. Cleaners, repairers, and those who have
charge of the safety lamps at a colliery.
LAMPS. Signifies Safety-lamps, which see.
LAMP STATIONS. Certain fixed places in a mine at
which safety lamps are allowed to be opened and re-
lighted by men appointed for that purpose, or beyond
which on no pretence is a naked light allowed to be
taken.
LAND (F. D.). Kising in the direction of the surface
or outcropping. Workings to the rise of a drainage
level.
LANDER. The man who receives the loaded lowJc or
trunk at the mouth of the shaft.
LANDING. A level stage for loading or unloading
coals upon.
LANDINGS (S. W.). Coals, &c., sent to lank — the
output, which see.
LANDING SHAFT (S. W.). A pit shaft in which coals,
&c., are raised.
LANDRY Box (N.). A wooden spout at the top of a
pumping sett (1) for carrying off the water delivered by
the pumps.
LAND-SALE. The sale of coal, &c., loaded into carts
or wagons at the pit's mouth_for local consumption.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 153
LAND-SALE COLLIERIES (N.). Those situated in
out-of-the-way districts, being unconnected with rail,
canal, or sea, and generally working thin or inferior
seams.
LAND-WEIGHT (L.). The pressure exerted by the
subsidence of the cover.
LAP. One coil of rope upon a drum or pulley.
LARGE. The largest lumps of coal sent to lank (1),
or all coal which is hand-picked or does not pass over
screens, also the largest coals which do pass over screens.
Lumps weighing upwards of a ton are occasionally sent
out at some of the hard or house-coal collieries of
Leicestershire.
LAST LIFT (N.). The last rib or jud to come off a
piUar.
LATCH. To make an underground survey with a
dial and chain ; or to mark out upon the surface with
the same instruments, the position of the workings under-
neath.
LATCHTNGS. Diallings or surveys made at a mine.
LAT u E ! or LATTH ! (M.). " Lower the cage down ! "
or, " Lower down more rope ! "
LATHS. See Lacing (1).
LAUNDER or LAUNDRY. A wooden or iron cistern or
channel in which mine-water is pumped or tipped and
conducted away from the pit-top to a water-course or
sough.
LAYERED (X.). Choked up with sediment or mud.
LAY Our (X.). To set out, or put on one side, trams
of coals, &?., which have been improperly filled and for
154 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
which the coal-getters are fined, and the coals in them
are forfeited.
LEAD. 1. To haul or draw coals, &c., either by animal
or engine power.
2. (Pa.) A stage worked by a mule or by a loco-
motive engine, of a maximum distance of say three-
quarters of a mile.
LEADER. 1. A cast or wrought-iron ring or shoe,
bolted to the bottom (often round the outside) of a
brick cylinder, a wooden drum, or a wrought-iron
cylinder when used for sinking through quicksand or
gravel. It enables the drum or cylinder to force its way
through the ground.
2. (Som.) The slip of a, fault.
3. Any particular or constant bed or band of coal,
ironstone, &c., in connection with certain workable beds,
serving as a kind of datum line, so to speak, in a
mine.
4. (N.) A BACK (1) or fissure in a coal seam.
LEADING BANK (Y.). A breadth of about 18 yards
of coal taken out between pairs of loardgates to the rise
commencing from the lank level. See Fig. 9 [Bank-
work].
LEADING MAN. See First Man.
LEAN (D.). Thin, poor ; of inferior quality.
LEAP. A fault of dislocation or throw. There are
Leap-ups and Leap-downs. See Down-leap and Up-leap.
LEA-STONE (L.). Laminated sandstone.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 155
LEATHER-BED (M.). A tough leather-like clayey
substance running in a fault slip, composed of the
ground-up and squeezed fractured ends of the coal
measures. Seldom more than a few inches in thick-
ness.
LED (N.). A led tub means a spare one, or one which
is being loaded whilst another is being emptied.
LEG. 1. (S.) A wooden prop supporting one end of
a bar.
2. (Y.) (Cleveland.) A stone which has to be
wedged out from beneath a larger one.
LEVEL. A road or way running parallel or nearly so
with the strike of the seam, and often used as a water-
level for drainage purposes.
LEVEL-FREE (W.) Old coal or ironstone workings at
the outcrop, worked by means of a day level driven into
the hillside.
LEVEL TONS. Weight of mineral wrought in tons,
any odd cwts. not being taken into account.
LEYS or BLUE-LEYS (L.). See Bind.
LTD. 1. A short piece of timber about 2 feet long
placed atop of a prop to support the roof.
2. (F. D.) The roof of an Ironstone working.
LIDSTONE (F. D.). The roof-stone of an iron mine.
LIE. Having reference to the dip of the strata.
LIE-TIME (S). A period of rest or cessation from
work during a shift or turn (1).
LIFE. When in cutting or getting coal it makes a
156 A GLOSSABY OF TEEMS
crackling or bursting noise and works easily, it is said
to have life in it, or to be alive.
LIFT. 1. The vertical height travelled by the cage
in a pit-shaft.
2. A column or sett (1) of pumps.
3. A certain thickness of coal worked in one opera-
tion.
4. (N.) To clear gas out of a working place.
5. To creep, as when the floor rises up towards the
roof or lifts.
6. A broken jud (1 ).
7. (Pa.) A block of coal measuring three-quarters of
a mile on the strike by 1000 yards to the rise.
8. (F. D.) A rise in the price of coal or in miners'
wages.
9. To break up, "bench (2), or blast coals from the
bottom of the seam upwards.
10. A certain vertical thickness of coal seams and
measures, having considerable inclination, between or in
which the workings are being carried on to the rise,
all the coals being raised from one pit "bottom. A
colliery may be composed of several lifts. See Eelevee,
Fig. 110.
LIFTING (S.). Drawing hutches out of the working
places into the main roads.
LIFTING DOGS. See Crow's foot.
LIFTING GUAKDS. Fencing placed round the mouth
of a pit-shaft, which is lifted out of the way for decking,
by the cages as they reach the surface.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 157
LIFTING WICKET (S. W.). See Lifting guards.
LIG (N.). To lie down.
LIGNITE. A coal of a woody character, containing
about 66 per cent, of carbon, found in the Secondary
and Tertiary rocks.
LIGHTNING EXPLOSION. An explosion of firedamp
caused by an electric current during a thunderstorm
going into a mine and igniting the gas.
LILLYCOCK (M.). See Kenner.
LIME CARTRIDGE. A charge or measured quantity of
compressed dry caustic lime made up into a cartridge (2),
and used instead of gunpowder and in a somewhat
similar manner for breaking down coal. The cartridge
is first placed in the lore-hole and stemmed, and then
water is injected into the hole and on to the lime.
Heat or steam is immediately produced, and, expansion
taking place, the coal is thereby broken down in a very
safe manner, as there is no flame to cause an explosion
of gas, and in a less shattered condition than with the
use of powder.
LIME COAL. Small coal suitable for lime burning.
LIME PROCESS. The method of getting coal by the
use of the lime cartridge.
LIMMERS or LIMBERS. Light wooden or iron shafts
for attaching pit ponies to the trams, especially useful
in seams having a considerable inclination.
LINER (Lei.). A bar put up between two other bars
to assist in carrying the roof.
158 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
LINES. Pieces of twine about two or three feet in
length weighted at the bottom end with a small lump
of clay or with a bit of iron, &c., to steady them, and
suspended from hooks driven into wooden plugs called
stomps (which see). Not less than two (called a pair of
lines) are put up, their object being to keep the head-
ing, &c., in which they may be placed in the proper
course or point. A line drawn between the centres of
these two strings represents the bearing or point of the
compass to be driven by, which is determined by the
dial.
LINING (D.). Clay Ironstone in beds or bands.
LINN and WOOL (L.). Streaky grey sandstone.
LINSEED EARTH (Sh.). Blackish grey clay suitable
for making into firebricks.
LINSEY (L.). Strong Bind, also streaky sand-
stone.
LIP. 1. (M.) The low part of the roof of a gate-road
near to the face ; taken down or ripped, as it is called,
as the face advances.
2. The edge of & fault slip.
IJIPEY BLAES (S.). Lumpy Bind or shales.
LIPPEN (N.). To calculate, guess, reckon upon, &c.
LIST. Mine Inspector's term for the schedule of
particulars of accidents enumerated in his annual
Keport to the Government.
LOADER. One who fills the trams in the working
places.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 159
LOADER OFF. A man who regulates the sending out
of the full tubs from a long-wall stall, gate end.
LOADINGS. Pillars of masonry carrying a drum or
pulley.
LOAM. Any mixture of sand and clay which is
neither distinctly sandy nor clayey.
LOCKER (M,). A short iron or wooden bar for
scotching tram wheels on inclined roads.
LODE (S. S.). A seam or mine.
LODGE. A subterraneous reservoir for the drainage of
the mine, made at the pit bottom, in the interior of the
workings, or at different levels in the shaft.
LODGMENT (S.). See Sump and Lodge.
LOFTHEAD (N. S.). A cavity or vacant space in the
roof produced by a/oZZ.
LOFTING. 1. (S. W.) An old or disused heading
over the top of another one.
2. (N.) See Lacing.
LOG (N. S.). See Dolly.
LOGGED up. Supported by trees, props, or puncheons.
LOOKING (N.S.). Examining the strata which is
not walled up in a sinking-pit.
LONG PAY (S. W.) A system of paying wages.
LOLLEY (M.). See Locker.
LONG PILLAR WORK. A system of working coal
seams in three separate operations. First, large pillars,
one of which is represented by the square a, &, ct d,
Fig. 90, are formed. Secondly, a number of parallel
headings are driven through the block ; and, lastly, the
160
A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
ribs or narrow pillars are worked away, commencing in
the middle at e and working both ways.
Fig. 90.
LONG-SHIFT (S.). From say 6 A.M. on Sunday till 6
A.M. on Monday, the time during which the furnaceman
and horse-tender has to be underground under certain
circumstances.
LONG-TON. A weight of more than 20 cwt. In canal
trade sometimes 25 or more cwt. of coals are allowed to
the ton.
LONGUES TAILLES (F.). See Long-wall.
LONG-WALL. A system of working coal and ironstone
in which the whole of the seam is gotten or worked
away, and no pillars left in excepting the shaft pillars,
and sometimes main road pillars, the goaves being more
or less filled up to prevent large accumulations of fire-
damp. There are two modes of working under the long-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
161
wall plan. No. 1, to work outwards, commencing near
the shafts and taking out all the coal, carrying the
roads in the goaf* by pack walls ; or, secondly (No. 2),
Fig. 91.
by driving out the main roads to the boundary and then
Iringing lack the faces and leaving all the goaf behind.*
See plan, Fig. 91.
* In the Long-wall system the weight assists greatly in extracting the
coal, an advantage lost by other systems of working. See Fig. 92,
Fig. 92.
showing how the subsidence of the roof helps to break down the coal
at the face.
162 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
LONG-WEIGHT. See Long-ton.
LONG-WORK. 1. (Y.) A system of working coal some-
what in the manner shown in Fig. 17.*
2. (Lei.) Ancient plan of working the Main coal of
Moira. Each stall or long-work was about 150 yards in
length (usually two in a pit), and was worked by about
twenty butties, the coal being got on the gob-road
system.
LOOKING (N. S.). Examining the un walled sides of
a sinking pit.
LOOPS. See D links.
LOOSE ! or LOOSE ALL ! (N.) See Kenner.
LOOSE END. The limit of a stall next to the goaf,
or where the adjoining stall is in advance.
LOOSE NEEDLE. See Dialling.
LOOSING (S. S.). Lowering a cage, &c., into or down
a shaft or pit.
LORDSHIP (S.). Royalty or acreage rent.
LORRY (Y.). A running bridge over a sinking pit
top upon which the bowk is placed after it is brought up
for emptying.
LOSE. 1. To work a seam of coal, &c., up to where
it dies out or is faulted out of sight. This is called losing
the coal.
2. To be unable to work out a pillar on account of
thrust, creep, gob-fire, &c.
3. A pit-shaft is said to be lost when it has run in or
collapsed beyond recovery.
LOUGHS (L.). Irregular cavities in iron mines.
Low. 1. (N.) A candle or other naked light carried
by a miner.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 163
2. (F. D.) Minor channels communicating with
horses, are termed lows.
Low ROPE (N.). A piece of rope used as a torch.
LUM. 1. (N.). A chimney placed on the top of an
upcast shaft to carry off the smoke, &c., and to increase
the ventilating current.
2. (D.) A basin or natural swamp in a coal seams
often running several hundred yards in length.
LUMBEKINGS (D.). Bumps over old workings.
LUMPS (S. S.). Coal of largest size by one.
LURRY. 1. (Y.) A tram to which an endless rope is
attached, fixed at the iribye end of the plane, forming
part of an appliance for taking up the slack rope. See
Fig. 93.
Fig. as.
2. A movable platform on wheels, the top of which
is made on a level with the lank (1) or surface. It is
run over the mouth of a pit-shaft for a bowk to be lowered
down upon when reaching the pit top.
LYE (S.). A siding for tubs in a mine.
LYPES (S.). Irregularities in the roof indicating
danger from falls.
M 2
164 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
M.
MACHINE. A weighbridge or weighing machine upon
which wagons, trams, carts, &c., are weighed, either with
or without their loads of coals, &c.
MACHINE-MAN. One who weighs coals, &c., and
keeps an account of the number of tubs sent to "bank (1).
MACHINE WALL. The face at which a coal-cutting
machine works.
MAIDEN FIELD or GROUND. A coalfield, &c., which
has not been tapped.
MAIN DOOR. See Bearing Door.
MAIN BOARD-GATE (Y.). The heading which is
driven to the rise of the shaft. It is usual to make it
larger in sectional area than an ordinary board-gate.
See a, Fig. 9 [Bank-work].
MAIN ENGINE (N.). The surface pumping engine,
usually of the Cornish type.
MAIN KOAD. The principal underground way in a
district along which the produce of the mine is conveyed
to the shafts, generally forming the main intake air
course of each district.
MAIN HOPE. A system of underground haulage in
which the weight of the empty tubs is sufficient to draw
the rope inbye.
MAIN SUIT (B.). A heavy spring or feeder of water.
MAINTENAGE (F.). The face of workings in rearing
or vertical seams, consisting of a series of little steps
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 165
each about six feet in height, and forming the working
place of one man.
MAIN SEPARATION DOOR. See Bearing Door.
MAKE GAS (M.). A seam of coal which gives off fire-
damp is said to make gas.
MAKINGS (N.). The slack and dirt made in holing.
MALM (Som.). Loam.
MANAGER. An official who has the daily control and
supervision of a colliery or mine, both under and above
ground. He usually has the appointment of all the
sub-officials employed underground ; has the setting out
and superintendence of all new works ; is responsible to
the Owner or Agent for carrying out the requirements
of the Act of Parliament, &c.; for keeping up an adequate
amount of ventilation ; for having the plans, books, &c.,
made and kept up from time to time ; and for the general
maintenance of order, regularity, and efficiency of every-
thing connected with the getting and output of the coal,
&c. He must hold a Certificate of Competency or of
Service from the Government.
MAN HOLE. A refuge hole constructed in the side
of an underground engine plane or horse road, placed
20 yards apart on engine planes and 50 yards on horse-
ways.
MAN HUDGE (G.). A kind of barrel or box in which
men ride in a pit-shaft.
MAN-O'-WAR (S. S.). A small auxiliary pillar of coal
left un worked in the Thick coal-seam workings, as an
additional support, or having some special service in
regard to faulty coal, &c.
166 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
MAN EOPE. A winding rope used exclusively for
lowering and raising men and animals at the time when
tucklers and swinging lont were used and cages unknown.
When used, the coal-drawing ropes were drawn out of
the way up against the shaft sides, and the man rope
was then swung into the centre of the pit, having its
own pulley in the head gear fixed between the other
two. A separate drum (1) was employed for this rope,
put into gear when required.
MAN WAY (Pa.). A lolthole between two chutes.
MARCH (S.). The boundary of the coal or colliery.
MARCHING (S.). Boundary workings.
MARCH PLACE (S.). A heading working up to or
alongside the march.
MARK. Word applied to a band of hemp, &c.,
wrapped round a winding rope to indicate to the engine-
man the position of the load in the shaft.
MARL. Indurated clay or shale, sometimes fire-clay.
MARROW (N.). A mate, lutty, or partner.
MARSH GAS. In mining language synonymous with
fire-damp.
MASSIFS LONGS (F.). Pillars in long-wall workings.
MASTER CHARGEMAN. The head sinker of a shift.
He prepares and fires (2) the shots, and looks after the
work being properly done, and the safety of the pit and
men under him.
MASTERS. Colliers' term for the owners of the works.
A pit is said to be worked by the masters when the butty
system is not in vogue. Coals cut by men who are paid
by the time and not by the ton or score are called
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 167
masters9 coals, and are marked or chalked in a particular
way in the pit to distinguish them.
MATCH. Gunpowder put into a piece of paper
several inches long, and used as effuse.
MATHER AND PLATT'S SYSTEM. Boring or pro-
specting for coal, &c., by steam machinery with a flat
hemp rope instead of rigid rods. The cutters or boring-
head and rope are raised by a vertical steam cylinder,
and have a free fall, varying in height from 2 feet
6 inches upwards. The weight of the cutting tools
with guide bar and mechanism for rotating the same is
about a ton, but heavier for larger holes. Solid cores,
showing the dip and character of the strata bored
through, can be brought to surface, and holes up to
2 and 3 feet in diameter bored to a great depth.
MAUL (N.). A drivers hammer.
MAUNDKIL. A pick with two shanks and points used
in getting coal, &c.
MAVIES (N.). Possibly, perhaps.
MEASURE (Sh. S. S.). A bed or pin of ironstone.
MEASURES. Strata. See Ground.
MEASURES HEAD. A heading or drift made in various
strata. See Grut.
MEEND or MEAND (F. D.). Old ironstone workings
at the outcrop, some of which were worked by the
Komans.
MEET. To keep pace with : e. g. to keep up the
supply of coals at the pit bottom as fast as the winding
engine can raise them, which is commonly called
meeting the turn.
168 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
MEETING. 1. A siding or pass-by on underground
roads.
2. The point in the shaft at which the cages pass
one another or meet.
MEND. To load or reload trams at the gate-ends out
of smaller trams used only in the working faces in thin
seams.
MENDITS (F.). See Putters.
MENU (Belg.). Slack.
METAL (N.). Indurated clay or shale. See Bind.
METAL DBIFT (L.). A heading driven in stone. See
Crut.
METAL MAN (L.). One who repairs underground
roads.
METAL EIDGES (N.). Pillars forming themselves into
supports to the roof, formed by
the creep in the boards. See
Fig. 94.
METALS. 1. (Ch.) Marl beds
more or less indurated.
2. (S.) Coal seams, or mines -^^
of coal, &c.
METAL STONE (N.). Sandstone and shale mixed.
METAL TUBBING. See Tubbing.
MIDDLING (L.).
MIDGES (N.). Lamps (not safety) carried by putters
&c.
MID-WORKINGS (S.). Workings with other workings
above and below in the same mine (3) or colliery.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 169
MINE. 1. Ironstone, either in thin bands, or in one
bed several inches in thickness.
2. A seam of coal.
3. A coal-pit or colliery, or a pit or place where iron-
stone, clay, shale, rock-salt, stone, &c., are worked or
mined.
4. (S.) A cross-measures drift or incline communi-
cating with two or more seams of coal, &c.
5. (S.) A trial heading to prove minerals, &c.
MINE EAETH (N. S.). Synonymous with ironstone in
beds : a term used as much as 200 years ago.
MINE GROUND. Strata containing ironstone in
layers.
MINE MEASURES (F. D.). See Mine ground.
MINERS' COAL TON. In Wales, 21 cwts. of 120 Ibs.
each.
MINE WORK. An ironstone mine (3) or workings.
MINGE or MINGY COAL. Coal of a tender nature.
MINGLES (S.). The vertical timbers of the upper
part of a pulley frame, on the top of which the pulleys
are fixed.
MINIMUM KENT. The certain, dead, or fixed rent
payable by the Lessee of a colliery, &c., each half-year,
whether he shall have worked or disposed of any
minerals or not during that period. The amount pay-
able during the sinking of the shafts and opening out
the underground workings is usually less than when the
mine has become fully developed.
MISTRESS (N.). A wooden or tin box, having the
front open, in which a candle is carried in a pit.
170 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
MIZEB. The chief tool used in certain systems of
sinking the cylinders of small shafts through water-
bearing strata, to remove the ground from beneath them.
It consists of an iron cylinder, varying in diameter from
1 foot 6 inches to 6 feet, with an opening on the side
and a cutting lip, and which is attached by a box-joint
to a set of boring rods, and turned from above.
HOBBIES (S. S.).
MONITOR (U. S. A.). See Gunboat.
MONKEY (Lei.). An iron catch or scotch (1) fixed in
the floor of a way.
MONKEY GANGWAY (Pa.). An air course driven
parallel with a gangway and heading at a higher level,
and generally in the top-rock or roof, and connected
with them by cross cuts.
MORTS TERRAINS (F.). Barren or dead ground. The
water-bearing strata overlying the coal measures.
MOSH (Lei.). Synonymous with smash. Coal which
is very nesh or tender is liable to mosTi down, or break
up into slack, if roughly handled, conveyed long
distances, or allowed to stand exposed to the weather
for a considerable time. A collier's term only.
Moss Box. A cast iron annular open-topped box or
ring, placed in watertight ground for making a water-
tight seat or bed for the tubbing of a Kind-Chaudron
system sinking pit. The box is filled with dry moss
and is lowered into the pit with, or suspended from, the
tubbing, the pressure of which, as it settles down, causes
compression of the moss to the perfect exclusion of
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 171
water from behind. It is practically an enormous
stuffing-box, and serves the purpose of a wedging crib.
MOTE or MOAT. A straw filled with gunpowder for
igniting a shot.
MOTHEK OF COAL. Sooty coal.
MOTHERGATE (N.). A road in the workings to be
eventually converted into a main road.
MOTIVE COLUMN. The length of column of air in
the downcast shaft which would be equal in weight to
the difference of the weight of the air in downcast and
upcast shafts. The power obtained by furnace ventila-
tion is measured by the difference between the weight
of the air in the two shafts. To find the motive column
the following formula is given : —
M = Motive column.
T= Temperature of upcast.
t= Temperature of downcast.
D = Depth of downcast.
MOTTY (Y.). See Tally.
MOUTH. The top of a pit-shaft at the surface.
MOUTHING (S. S.). See Inset.
MOVE (N. W.). A roof which is just about to fall or
weight.
MUCK (Y.). See Dirt.
MUESELER LAMP. A safety lamp brought out and
exclusively used in the collieries of Belgium. It is
considered the safest lamp of all the many different
forms hitherto constructed. Its chief features consist
172 *A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
in the horizontal gauze and conical metallic chimney
with which it is fitted, making it very sensitive to fire-
damp, self-extinguishing in an explosive mixture or when
not placed perfectly upright, and is a
lamp which will withstand a con-
siderable current of air or explosive
mixture without going out or causing
the flame to pass through the gauze
and thereby cause an explosion.
MULNIELLO (It.). A kind of quarry
or place in a coal mine where stone
and debris are obtained for the purpose
of stowing or filling up goaves.
MUSH [rhyming with push] (Lei.).
Soft, sooty, dirty, earthy coal, &c.
MUSHY COAL (Lei.). Where a sooty
substance pervades coal, or where it is
crushed.
MUSSEL BAND. A bed of clay ironstone containing
fossil bivalve shells, anthraeosia, &c.
MUTHUNG (Pr.). A concession of mines from the
State, generally about 612 acres, described in plan by
straight lines and in depth by vertical planes.
N.
NAGER (B.). A drill for boring holes for shots.
NAKED LIGHT. A candle or any form of lamp which
is not a safety lamp.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
173
NANNIES (Y.). Natural joints, cracks, or slips (2) in
the coal measures. See Cleat (1).
NAPPES (Belg.). Water-bearing strata.
NARROWS (N.). Galleries or roadways driven at right
angles to drifts (4), and not quite so large in area.
NARROW WORK. 1. (Pa.) Headings, chutes, cross-cuts,
gangways, &c., or the workings previous to the removal
of the pillars.
2. A working-place in coal only a few yards in width.
3. See Deadwork.
4. A system of working coal in Yorkshire. See plan,
Fig. 96.
Fig. 96.
NATTLE (N.). See Fissle.
NATURAL VENTILATION. Ventilating a mine without
either furnace or other artificial means ; the heat im-
parted to the air by the strata, men, animals, and
lights in the mine, causing it to flow in one direction,
or towards the deepest shaft.
NEEDLE. A sharp-pointed copper or brass rod with
174: A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
which a small hole is made through the stemming to
the cartridge in blasting operations.
NESH. Friable, soft, crumbly, powdery, dusty.
NEST-WEISE (F. D.). Iron ore which occurs in pockets
is said to lie Nest-weise.
NETHER COAL (M.). The lower division of a thick
seam of coal.
NICK (N.). To cut or shear coal after holing.
NIGHT SHIFT. The set of men who work during
the night.
NIGHT WATCH (Lei.). A trusty old collier who keeps
guard on the surface during the night.
NIP. 1. (S. W.) A kind of fault, the roof and floor
coming nearly together.
2. To cut grooves at the ends of "bars, to make them
fit more evenly.
NIPPING-FORK. A tool formed something like a
spanner, for supporting or hanging boring-rods at the
surface during the screwing on and off of the rods.
See Key.
NIPPLE (M.). See Fissle. A word used to express
the crepitant noises made by the settling down or
weighting of the roof.
NITCH WHEELS (S. S.). Drums or pirns upon which
the wood-chain winding bands coil.
NOG. See Cog and Chock.
NON-SEAT (M.). See D Link
NOOK (N.). A corner of a pillar of coal.
NOOPER (Lei.). A Dresser, which see.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 175
NORTH END (Y.). The rise side of the coal in North
Yorkshire.
NOSE IN. A stratum is said to nose in when it dtps
beneath the ground or into a hill-side in a V or nose
form.
NOSE OUT. A nose-shape stratum cropping out.
NOTCH STICKS (F. D.). Short pieces of stick notched
or nicked, used by miners as records of the number of
tubs of coal, &c., they send out of the pit during the day.
NUBBER (M.). A block of wood about twelve inches
square, for throwing tubs off the road in case the
couplings or ropes break. A boy places it between the
rails as soon as the full train has passed oufbye.
NUTS. Small lumps of coal which will pass through
a screen the bars of which vary in width apart between
J inch and 2J inches.
o.
OBERBERGAMT (Pr.). A board or council consisting
of six or seven members, which sanctions colliery rules,
prescribes as to the duties of inspectors, fiery mines,
safety lamps, &c. The State has appointed five mining
boards, or Olerbergdmter.
OBERSTEIGER (Pr.). An underground overman, who
acts under the guidance of the Betriebsfuhrer, or
manager.
OCEAN COAL (C.). Coal-seams lying beneath the sea.
OCHRE. See Canker.
ODD-KNOBBING (S. S.). Breaking off the coal from
the sides in the Thick-coal workings.
176 A GLOSSAET OF TERMS
ODD MAN. One who works by time at sundry jobs
in the mine.
ODD WORK. Work other than that done by con-
tract, such as repairing roads, constructing stoppings,
dams, &c.
OFF (N.). Worked out, gotten, wrought.
OFF-GATES (N.). Goaf roadways in long-wall work-
ings about 120 yards apart.
OFF-TAKE. 1. The raised portion of an upcast shaft
above the surface, for carrying off smoke and steam,
&c., produced by the furnaces and engines underground.
2. The length of boring-rods unscrewed and taken off
at the top of the lore-hole (1), depending upon the
height of the head-gear and depth of the staple, or well.
OFF-TAKE KODS. Auxiliary wooden rods at the top
and bottom of a winding-shaft, by means of which the
cages are guided and steadied during decking.
OIL-SHALE. Shale containing such a proportion of
hydrocarbons as to be capable of yielding mineral oil
on slow distillation. Occurs in layers or seams inter-
stratified with other aqueous deposits, as in the Scottish
coal-fields. It consists of fissile argillaceous layers,
highly impregnated with bituminous matter, passing
on one side into common shale, on the other into cannel
or parrot coal. The richer varieties yield from 30 to
40 gallons of crude oil to the ton of shale.
OLD MEN. The former workers of a mine. The
workings left by them are called old men's workings, or,
as in Derbyshire, The old man.
ON-COST (S.). Dead work expenses, being costs in-
curred at a mine, whether minerals are raised or not.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 177
ONE WAY (S. S.). A particular class of house coaL
ON-SETTEB. See Bottomer. Also the man who changes
the tubs in the cages at bank (2).
ON-SETTING MACHINE. A mechanical apparatus fixed
at the top and at the bottom (or only at the surface) of
a pit-shaft, on a level with the cages, for loading them
with the full tubs, and discharging the empties, or vice
versa, at one operation, thus effecting a great saving of
time and manual labour. There are several machines
for performing this important operation, viz., Fowler's
hydraulic apparatus, by which cages having three or
four decks can be loaded and unloaded in a few seconds
without moving the winding -engine or decking, as it is
called, in the ordinary sense of the word. Another
machine takes the form of an inclined framework,
carrying the tubs, which the cage actuates on being
lowered on to the props or keeps. A third is worked by
a small steam cylinder, which tilts a platform carrying
the trams, thus causing them to run forward on to the
caqe. A fourth consists in withdrawing the full trams
V O
from the cages by means of a light rod and a chain
worked by a small steam-engine fixed near the top of
the screens, which are directly opposite the pit-top,
thereby avoiding almost all the heavy work of pushing
heavily loaded trams about on surface, which occasion-
ally carry 25 cwt. of coals, the tram being 9 cwt.
ON THE KUN (Pa.). The ability to work a seam of
coal which has sufficient inclination to cause the coal,
as worked away towards the rise, to fall by gravity to
the gangways for loading up into cars, is called working
coal on the run.
N
178 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
OPEN BOTTOM. The bottom of a sinking-pit open
directly to the atmosphere or surface.
OPEN-CAST WORKING (S.). A coal-working having
no roof. See Open Hole.
OPEN HOLE. Coal or other mine workings at the
surface or outcrop, sometimes carried to a depth of 50
or 60 feet, forming a kind of quarry. See Bench Work-
ing (Fig. 15).
OPENINGS. 1. Short "heads (1) driven at certain in-
tervals between two or more parallel heads or levels for
ventilation. As each opening is cut, the last one is
built up with bricks and mortar, to drive the air-current
forward to the face (1) of working.
2. (N.) Backs (1).
OPEN LIGHT. See Naked Light.
OPEN OFF. To commence the working away of a
seam of coal, &c., upon the long-wall system from the
shaft pillar, or it may be the far end of the royalty (1),
or from any headings previously driven out for the
purpose of commencing such system, or a modification
thereof.
OPEN OUT. To drive headings out, or commence
working in the coal, &c., after sinking the shafts.
OPEN EOCK. Any stratum capable of holding much
water, or conveying it along its bed by virtue of its
porous or open character.
OPEN SHELL-AUGER. A coal-boring tool for extract-
ing clay and other debris from the hole : it has no valve
at the lower end.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 179
OPEN-TOP TUBBING. A length of tubbing having no
wedging-crib oil the top of it.
OPEN WORKINGS. Workings carried on by open hole.
OUTBREAK COAL. An old term for outcrop of a coal
seam.
OUTBURST. 1. (N.) A Slower.
2. See Crop.
OUTBYE. In the direction of the pit bottom.
OUT-CROP. 1. The surface-edge of any inclined
stratum.
2. To incline upwards, so as to appear at the surface.
OUT-DOOK STROKE. That stroke of a Cornish pump-
ing-engine by which the water is forced upwards by the
weight of the descending pump-rods, &c.
OUT-FALL. A seam cropping out at a lower level.
OUT-OVER. See Outbye.
OUT-PUT. • The quantity of coal, &c., raised during
a certain period — for instance, 6000 tons per week.
OUT-SET. 1. (N.) The walling of shafts built up
above the original ground-level.
2. A brick or stone shaft walling built up within
tubbing.
OUT-STROKE. The privilege of breaking a barrier,
and working and conveying underground the coal from
an adjoining royalty.
OUTSTROKE BENT. Payment made for the privilege
of working through a barrier, &c., and conveying the
produce of the mine from an adjoining property.
OVERBURDEN. Cover in open workings. See Baring.
N 2
180 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
OVERCAST. See Air-crossing.
OVER-CROSSING. See Air-crossing.
OVERGATE. See Air-crossing.
OVERGETTINGS. Minerals worked and sold from a
royalty in excess of the certain quantity upon which a
rent or royalty at per acre is paid.
OVERHAND STOPING. A system of working thick
seams of coal in Germany. The upper divisions are
wrought first and then the lower. The word stoping is
one having special reference to metalliferous mining,
and not to coal.
OVERLAP FAULT. A peculiar kind of fault where a
seam is reversed or doubled back over itself. See
Fig. 70 (5).
OVERLIE (Sorn.). The Triassic or other later for-
mation of strata overlying the coal measures.
OVERLYING. Eock beds having no true connection
with the coal measures, but which have been deposited
at a subsequent date : e. g., some of the traps of the
South Staffordshire and Shropshire coal-fields.
OVERMAN, also OVERSMAN. One who has charge of
the workings whilst the men are in the pit. He gets
his orders from the underviewer.
OVER-ROPE. The winding rope which passes from
the pulley over the top of the drum (1).
OVERTHROW. 1. (Pa.) Wooden air pipes for con-
necting headings for ventilation.
2. (Y.) See Air-crossing.
OVER-VENTILATION. Too much air in the workings.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 181
OVER- WIND. To draw ^a cage or bowk up into the
deadstocks.
OXTER (S.).
P.
PACK. A rough wall or block of coal or stone built
up to support the roof. Fig. 97.
PACK BUILDER. One who builds packs.
PACKER. A man who builds or constructs packs.
Fig. 97.
JtoacL
PACK WALL. A wall of stone or rubbish built on
either side a gate road, to carry the roof and keep the
sides up. See Fig. 97.
PADDY (Y.). An open or non-safety lamp carried
by men and lads in the mines.
PADDY PAN (Lei.). Skeps formerly used in swinging
lont.
PAIR OF GEARS (N.). See Gears.
PAIR OF TIMBERS (S. W.). See Gears.
PAIRS (S. S.). Two pit-shafts sunk to the Thick
coal seam about 100 yards apart.
PAN. 1. (Som.) Fire or underclay of the Kadstock
coal seams.
182
A GLOSSAKY OF TERMS
Fig. 98.
fULJLJUUUUI
banaaanL
2. (M.) Sheet-iron vessels holding, say, J-cwt., into
which fillers rake the small.
PANE (S. S.). A lift (3) or stint of coal measuring
2 feet 6 inches high, 6 feet in width, and 6 feet under
or forward.
PANEL. A large rectangular block or pillar of coal,
measuring, say, 130 by 100 yards.
PANEL WORKING. A system of working coal seams
which came into use
about 1810 in the North
of England. See Fig. 98.
The colliery is divided
up into large squares or
panels, isolated or sur-
rounded by solid ribs of
coal, in each of which a
separate set of boards and
pillars is worked, and the
ventilation is kept dis-
tinct— that is, every panel
nnnnnnrii
has its own intake and
return, the air of one not passing into the adjoining one,
but being carried direct to the upcast shaft.
PAPER COAL. Finely laminated coal of the Tertiary
era, resembling highly compressed leaves.
PARACHUTE. 1. K thin leather washer placed
between two stops on the lower end of boring-rods,
to break the fall of the rods in case they are acciden-
tally dropped or break, by preventing the water in the
borehole getting past it beyond a certain velocity. It
acts as a kind of cushion or brake.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 183
2. (F.) A safety cage fitted up with an ingenious
arrangement by which, on the breaking of the winding-
rope, a wedge is, by the action of springs, inserted
between the wooden guides and a part of the cage, so
as to bring the latter immediately to a standstill.
PARCEL (S. S.). An old term for a ton ; really 27 cwts.
PARROT COAL (S., N.). A description of cannel coal,
so called because when on the fire it splits and cracks
up with a chattering noise, like a parrot talking.
PART CANDLES. The use of candles as well as
safety lamps in a mine.
PARTING. 1. (S. W.) The double roads (2) laid in
an inset or pit-bottom arching.
2. Any thin interstratified bed of earthy material.
PASS-BY. A siding in which tubs pass one another
underground. In Fig. 99 is shown a plan of a pass-
by as sometimes constructed upon a self-acting inclined
plane.
Fig. 99.
^
PASS-PIPE. An iron pipe connecting the water at
the back of one set of tubbing with that of another, or a
pipe only in communication with one tub, and open
to the interior of the shaft.
PATCHING (S. W.). Workings carried on at the
outcrop or by open hole, their depth and extent being
limited by the quantity of water met with and the
amount of baring required.
181 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
PATCHWORK (D.). Synonymous with Patching.
PATENT FUEL. Small coal, with an admixture of
from 8 to 10 per cent, of pitch or tar, compressed by
machinery into bricks or blocks of a convenient size for
use in the furnaces of boilers, &c.
PAVEMENT. 1. (S.) The floor of a mine.
2. (S.) A kind of fireclay, cluncli, &c.
PAY. The day upon which, or the place where, wages
are made up or paid. Going to draw wages is called
" going to the pay.'9
- PEACOCK COAL (L.). Iridescent coal.
PEAT COAL. A soft earthy variety of coal, of
Secondary or Tertiary era.
PEAS. Small coals about J-inch or f-inch cube.
PECK. See Pick
PECKING UP (S. S.). Elevating or propping up with
rough stones, bricks, rubbish, &c.
PEGGY (Y.). Synonymous with pick, which see.
PEGS (F. D.). See Notchsticks.
PELDON (S. S.). Hard and compact siliceous rock.
See Cank.
PELDRIN (N. S.).
PENITENT (F.). A fireman who, in early coal mining
days, was employed to explode (purposely, in order to
get rid of it) the fire-damp. So called on account of the
resemblance of his dress to that of certain religious
orders in the Roman Catholic Church.
PENNYSTONES. Bands of clay ironstone.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
185
PENTHOUSE or PENTHUS. A wooden hut or covering
for the protection of sinkers in a pit bottom.
PFEILERBAU (Pr.). See Board and Pillar.
PICK. 1. A tool for cutting and holing coal, gene-
rally weighing about 5 Ibs. Fig. 100 shows several kinds.
Fig. 100.
2. To dress with a pick the sides of a shaft or other
excavation.
3. To remove shale, dirt, &c., from coals.
PICK AWAY (M.). To dip rapidly.
PICKED BEAT (D.).
PICKEE. 1. A sharp-pointed cutting tool used as an
accessory to a mizer. It is fixed upon the same rods
and above the mizer, and indicates the exact position
of the latter when in operation.
2. (S.) See Pricker (3).
PICKMAN (S. S.). See Hewer.
188
A GLOSSAKY OF TERMS
Fig. 101.
PICK-UP (M.). To reduce the stock, which see.
PICK-UPS (M.). See Tipper.
PICKWORK. Cutting coal with a pick Heading is
chiefly done by it.
PIECE (S.). See Bait.
PIER-STONE (S.). A very
hard variety of freestone.
PIKE. See Pick (1).
PIKEMAN. See Hewer.
PILING. Driving down
into quick ground iron-shod
3-inch battens of 12 feet or
14 feet in length, supported
by curbs, and forming a
circle larger than the ulti
mate size of the shaft when <r q> Quick ground,
walled up within. Fig. 101.
PILLAR. A solid block of coal, &c., varying in area
from a few square yards to several acres.
PILLAR AND STALL. A system of working coal and
other minerals where the first stage
of excavation is accomplished with
the roof sustained by coal, &c.
Fig. 102 shows in plan one of the
many various modes of working in
this manner.
PILLARING BACK (N. S.). See
Drifting Sack.
PILLAR MAN (I.). A man who builds stone packs in
the workings.
Solid
Fig. 102.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 187
PILLAR KOADS. Working-roads or inclines in pillars
having a range of long-wall faces on either side.
PILLAR WORKING. Working coal on much the same
plans as Long-pillar and Pillar and Stall systems.
PIMPLEY (Sh.). Bind (1) containing ironstone nodules.
PINCH. A kind of crowbar used for breaking down
coal, &c.
PIN-CRACKS (Lei.). Small fissures in coal seams
filled with water and gas.
PINDY (I.). See Kelve. A term used in the South of
Ireland.
PINNINGS (N. S.). Bratticing in headings.
PINS. Thin beds of ironstone of the coal measures.
PIPED AIR. Ventilation carried into the working
places in pipes. See Brattice.
PIPER (L.). A feeder of gas.
PIPES. See Coal Pipes.
PIRNS (S.). Flat-rope winding (1) drums (1).
PIT. 1. A colliery, a pit-shaft, a shallow hole, &c.
2. The workings, inclusive of all roads, &c., situated
underground.
PIT BANK. The raised ground or platforms upon
which the coals are sorted and screened at surface.
PIT BARRING (S.). Timbers supporting the sides of
a shaft.
PIT BOTTOM. The inset and underground roads,
&c., in the immediate vicinity of the shafts.
PIT-BOTTOM STOOP (S.). A large solid block or
188 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
pillar of mines left ungotten around and in support of
the pit-shafts.
PIT BROW (L.). See Pit Bank
PITCH. Dip or rise of a seam.
PITCHER BRASSES (Sh.). Indurated schistose clay.
PITCHERS (N.). Loaders in the pit (2), and men who
take up and relay the rails in the workings and long-wall
faces.
PIT COAL. Generally signifies the bituminous
varieties of coal.
PIT-EYE. Pit bottom, or the entrance into a shaft.
PIT-GATE (Y.). Any place in the immediate
neighbourhood of a colliery at which colliers hold
meetings of their own in reference to wages, &c.
PIT-HEAD MAN. The banksman who has charge of
the pit-top.
PIT HEAP. See Heapstead.
PIT HILL. See Pit Bank.
PIT Loa (S. S.).
PITMAN. A collier (1) ; also one who looks after
pumps, &c.
PIT-PROP. A piece of fir timber, being part of the
stem of a tree, varying in length according to the
height of the workings, and about one inch in diameter
for every foot in length : used as a temporary support
for the roof.
PIT BAILS. Iron or steel railway rails upon which
trams or tubs ran in a mine.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 189
PIT-ROOM. The extent of the underground workings
in use or available for use.
PIT KOPE. Winding rope.
PITS (S. W.). Long open-air fires for converting
coal into rude coke for blast-furnace purposes.
PIT-SHAFT. See Shaft.
PITTER. A horse or pony suitable for underground
work.
PIT-TIP. A bank or heap upon which rubbish out of
the mine is tipped.
PIT-TOP. The mouth of a pit-shaft.
PIT WOOD. The timber used for propping the
roof, &c.
PIT WORK. The whole system of pumps and pump-
rods, &c., in a pumping or engine-pit.
PLACE. 1. A working place, or a point at which the
cutting of coal, &c., is being carried on.
2. A kind of cabin in which tools, &c., are kept in
the mine, and in which a deputy gets his bait or snap.
PLAX. 1. The system upon which a mine is worked,
e. g. long-wall
2. A map or plan of the underground workings,
which in Great Britain must be drawn to a scale of not
less than 44 yards to an inch, and must show the whole
of the workings, accurately marked thereon, at least
every six months. The term plan also includes a
section of the mines and of the underground works.
PLANE. A main road, either level or inclined, along
which coals, &c., are conveyed by engine-power or by
gravity.
190 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
PLANE BACKS (S.). See Back (1).
PLANK (S. W.). Strata drained of gas.
PLANK DAM. A watertight stopping fixed in a head-
ing, constructed of balks of fir placed across the passage,
one upon another, sideways, and tightly wedged.
PLANK TUBBING. Shaft lining of wooden planks
driven down vertically behind wooden cribs all round
the shaft, all joints being tightly wedged to keep back
the water. See Fig. 101.
PLANT. The shafts, engine-houses, railways, ma-
chinery, workshops, &c., of a colliery or other mine.
PLASTER (D., N.S., &c.). Gypsum. A fine granular
to compact, sometimes fibrous or sparry aggregate of
the mineral gypsum. Normally white, but may be
coloured grey, brown, yellow, or red. It occurs in beds,
lenticular intercalations and strings usually associated
with beds of red marl or clay.
PLASTER-PIT (D., &c.). A mine in which gypsum is
worked. The system of working is usually a rough
kind of pillar working, the pillars be ing left sufficiently
large to keep the surface from falling in. Plaster is
often worked by open hole.
PLATE. See Bind (1).
PLAY. 1. Signifies not at work or standing.
2. (N.) To work a steel mill.
3. Idle — not at work on account of idleness, or for
some other particular cause.
PLAY DAY. A day on which, on account of shortness
of trade, from accident, or from other causes, minerals
are not worked and raised.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
191
Fig. 103.
PLAYER. A man who used to work a steel mill.
PLAY-IN (Lei.). To commence holing and getting a
face of coal out of the side of a heading.
PLENUM. A mode of ventilating a mine or a heading
by forcing fresh air into it.
PLIES (S.). Layers of coal or other rocks.
PLUG Box. A wooden water-
pipe used in coffering. See
Fig. 103.
PLUGGED Cms (Y.). A walling
crib carried by iron plugs (two to
each segment) fixed in the rock
two or three feet in depth.
PLUGGING. Supporting a crib
upon iron bars fixed in a shaft a> Shaft side> 6j Watcr.
Side. bearing ground, c, Solid
ground, d, Walling of shaft.
PLUGMAN. An old term for «, Plug box. /, Water crib
engineman. or « garland » (i).
PLUM-BULKING (S.). The full dip of the coal seam.
PLUM HATCHING (S.). The lull rise of a coal bed.
PLUM PITCH (B.). The full rise or full dip of the strata.
PLUMB END (Y.). See End.
PLUMP FAIR (S. S.).
PLUNGER CASE. The barrel or cylinder in which a
solid piston or plunger works in a forcing sett (1) of
pumps.
PLUNGER POLE. The solid ram working up and
down within a plunger case.
PLY (S. S.). A thin bed or band of shale, &c., lying
immediately over a coal seam.
OF THE
'TJHIVBBSITY;
192 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
POCKET. 1. See Bag.
2. See Swelly.
POINT. The bearing or direction, in reference to the
magnetic meridian, in which an underground road is
driven. See Driving ~by Lines.
POLE CASE. See ^Plunger Case.
POLL (S. W.). To clean the shale, &c., off ironstone,
ready for weighing into stock.
PONY-PUTTER (N.). A boy who drives a pony in the
workings. He is paid at per score, put 200 yards.
POPPET-HEAD. A shallow pit pulley-frame.
toRCH (Y.). The arching at the pit bottom inset.
PORTEUR (F.). See Hurrier.
POST. 1. (N.) A solid block or pillar of coal.
2. (N.) Sandstone (fine grained).
POST AND STALL (Y.). A system of working a coal
seam much the same as pillar and stall.
POSTING (Y.). Extracting the posts (1) or working
the broken. See Fig. 104.
Fig. 104.
POSTING-HOLE (Y.). See Bolt.
POST-STONE. Sandstone rather fine grained.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 193
POT-BOTTOMS (S.). See Bell-moulds.
POT HOLE (L.). A small temporary lodge in a
sinking-pit.
POT HOLES. See Pot-bottoms.
POT MIZER. A boring tool occasionally used in clays
mixed with pebbles. It is made in the form of a spiral
cone, which is open at the top to receive the pebbles
carried up by the worm on the outside and falling over
the edge into the cone.
POUND. 1. An underground reservoir of water. See
Lodge.
2. A large natural fissure or cavity in the
strata.
POUNDSTONE (Sh.). A kind of underday.
POUNSON (N. W.). Dense soft clay under-
lying coal beds.
POUT (N.). A tool used by deputies for knock-
ing out or drawing timbers in the workings.
POXON KOCK (Lei.). A red gravelly
stratum (Permian ?) overlying coal measures.
PRICKER. 1. A thin brass rod for making a
hole in the stemming when blasting, for the
insertion of a fuze or touch, and through which
aperture the flame obtains access to the car-
tridge.
2. (S. S.) A long iron rod or poker used for
loosening and bringing down the coals from
overhead in the Thick coal workings. See
Fig. 105.
3. A piece of bent wire by which the size of the
flame of a safety lamp is regulated, without removing
o
194 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
the top of the lamp. It passes up into the lamp
through the oil reservoir in a tube.
PRICKING (Lei.). Soft coal or earth for holing in.
PRIZE (Lei.). To lift or loosen with a lever „.
. 7 Fig. 106.
or a pick.
PROP. A wooden or cast-iron temporary
support for the roof, reaching from the floor.
When of timber they are generally used of as
many inches in diameter as they are feet in
length. Fig. 106 shows a cast-iron prop. They
are not much used.
PROPPING. The timbering of a mine.
PROPS. See Keeps.
PROP-WOOD. Timber suitable for cutting, or
already cut into props. See Prop.
PROSPECTING. Examining (by boring, sink-
ing trial pits, &c., and geologically surveying)
a tract of country in search of minerals.
PROTECTOR LAMP. A safety lamp the flame of which
it is impossible to expose to the outward atmosphere, as
the fact of unlocking or rather unscrewing it extin-
guishes the light. (A Mr. Teale of Manchester was the
inventor of this self-extinguishing appliance.)
PROUD COAL (S.). That which naturally splits off in
flakes or slabs when worked in a particular manner,
producing waste and deterioration.
PROVE. 1. To ascertain by boring, driving, &c., the
position and character of a coal seam, a fault, &c.
2. (S.) To examine a mine in search of fire-damp,
&c., known as proving the pit.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 195
FUCKING or PUCKS (S. W.). See Creep.
PUDDING BOCK (Y.). Conglomerate or breccia.
PUDLOCKS. Cross timbers resting upon horse-trees
against which rubbing-boards work.
PUISAKD (F.). See Sump.
PUITS (F.). Shafts or pits.
PULL. 1. To subside or settle down. See Creep.
2. The drag in ventilation of mines.
PULLER-OFF (M.). A man who takes the loaded trams
off the cages, or who withdraws the empties from them at
the bottom.
PULLEY. The wheel over which a winding rope
passes at the top of the head-gear.
PULLEY FRAME. See Head-gear.
PULLEYING. Overwinding or drawing up a cage or
kibble into the pulley-frame.
PULLING BACK. See Posting.
PULLING-OVER HOPE. A short light hemp rope for
drawing the ends of winding ropes over the pulleys off
the drum (1).
PUMP FIST. The lower end of a plunger case.
PUMPING. The operation of filling a sludge pump by
an up-and-down motion of the rods or rope, called
pumping the sludger.
PUMP-STOCKS (L.). See Pump-trees.
PUMP-TREES. Cast (wrought iron were formerly often
used) iron pipes, generally nine feet in length, of which
o 2
196 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
the column or sett (1) is formed, conveying the water
from the pump up the shaft. They run up to say thirty
inches in diameter, and are bolted together and steadied
by chogs. Fig. 40.
PUNCH (N.). See Pout.
PUNCH AND THIRL (S. S.). A kind of pillar and stall
system of coal-getting.
PUNCHEON (M.). See Prop.
PUNCH PROP (N.). A short timber prop set on the
top of a crowntree or used in holing as a sprag.
PUT. 1. To haul coal, &c., underground.
2. (Som.) A box of a capacity of from 3 to 6 cwt. of
coal, used in thin seams.
PUTTER. See Haulier. Age from 15 to 20 years ;
paid by the score of tubs, put, say 100 yards. Putters9
places are cavilled for.
PUTTING. See Haulage.
PUTS (N.). Great oars by which keels are pulled and
steered about.
PUT TO STAND (S. S.). Stoppage of coal drawing on
account of firestink.
QUAR or CLIFF QUAR (F. D.). A kind of Bind (1).
QUARLS (N.). Fire-bricks.
QUARRY. An underground excavation formed in the
roof stone or shale or in a fault, for the purpose of
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 197
obtaining material for stowage or pack-watts. A plan
only followed when it is less costly than to leave coal in
the mine, or to bring
material from surface for Fis- 107<
such purposes. Fig. 107
is a vertical section.
QUARTER COAL (Y.), See
Colliers' Coals.
QUAKTEEING-IN (L.). A
plan of building or putting
together tubbing plates from the top downwards, the
rings and segments being bolted together as the work
of excavation proceeds
QUICK. 1. Soft watery strata, such as running sand.
2. (S. S.) Solid or ungotten coal forming the roof of a
roadway in a Thick coal colliery.
3. Blasting powder is said to be quick when it burns
or goes off very rapidly.
QUOICENECK (Sh.). Greyish black clay with shining
surfaces, and streaked.
R
RACE. 1. (S.) See Journey.
2. The space in which a drum (1) revolves.
RADDLE (Y.). Earthy Hematite occurring in the
coal measures.
RAFF- YARD (N.). A walled-in yard on the surface,
in which the smiths, wrights, carpenters, &c., work.
RAG AND CHAIN PUMP. One of the earliest contri-
vances for draining coal pits, consisting of a tube or pipe
198 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
in which a chain, to which bunches of rags were at
intervals attached, was caused by manual labour to
carry up water in much the same way as our nineteenth
century chain pumps do. These pumps were in use
250 years ago.
KAILS. The iron or steel portion of the permanent
or temporary way (2). They weigh from 15 to 35 Ibs.
per yard run; are usually from 6 to 15 feet in length; are
either ot 9 9 f% or _ section; are
laid with a gauge of from 1 foot 8 inches to 2 feet
6 inches. Main engine plane rails are generally fished.
Angle iron sJ rails are still in use, but are rapidly
disappearing.
BAIN (M.). An underground place is said to rain
when water drops freely from the roof.
KAISE. To wind (3) coals, &c., to the surface.
KAISINGS (F. D.). (See Get (2).
BAIT or BATE (M.). To split off. Coal roads, &c., are
said to rait themselves when the sides keep splitting or
peeling off. Boads driven on the end are more liable
to rait than when driven face on.
BAKE (D.). A series of pins of clay ironstone lying
within a few feet or yards of one another in a seam of
bind, making a workable ironstone.
BAKE. 1. (M.) To smother a ventilating furnace
with fuel, so that it smoulders for many hours, and allows
the upcast shaft to cool, for the purpose of doing repairs
therein, or for other special purposes.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 199
2. (M.) An iron rake with a short handle, with
which fillers fill baskets or pans.
BAKERS. Shots placed round sumpers.
BAKING-COAL. A large lump of hard coal placed
upon a fire or ventilating furnace, for the purpose of
just keeping it burning, or rather smouldering, when a
larger fire is not required.
BAKING PROPS. Short wooden props used in sinking
for supporting the curbs during the excavation of the
sides of the shaft.
BAM. See Plunger Pole.
BAMBLE. See Falling.
BAMMELLY (M.). Mixed argillaceous and sandy
rocks.
BANCE (S.). A pillar of coal — a rarge stoop. See
Room and Ranee.
BANDID STONE (C.).
BAP(S.W.). SeeJtomp.
BAP IN (Som.). To wedge down blocks of stone in
underground quarries.
BAPPER. 1. A lever with a hammer attached at one
end, fixed at the pit top or top of an inclined plane, by
Fig. 108.
\ \
•\\ Bade \
which signals are given to and from banksman or
engineinan.- See Fig. 108.
200 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
2. (M.) The upper end of the vertical arm of a
judge.
RASH (M.). Synonymous with rait.
BASHINGS (S. W.). Loose dirt or shaley beds of rock.
BATCHES (L.). Lifts (3) of 5 yards in length along a
working face.
BATTLE (Lei.). To work (drive into or sink through)
with great vigour and energy.
BATTLE-JACK (M.). Carbonaceous shale; also Eoo
Cannel.
BATTLER (C.).
BATTLERS (Y.). Cannel coal.
BEARER (N. S.). See Edge Coals.
BECEIVING BODS. Auxiliary cage guides at insets
and at pit tops.
BECK (L.). Chips of wood and other debris.
BED MEASURES. Generally refers to the strata of
Permian or Triassic age.
KEDD. 1. (S.) To scour through, take down, or to
rip.
2. To clear out pillars of coal.
3. Pit rubbish or debris.
BEDD BING (S.). A spoil heap on the surface.
BEDDSMAN (S.). One who redds (1), or works at
night in cleaning up and repairing roadways, &c.
BEED (S.). See Cleat (1).
BEFUGE HOLE. A place formed in the side of an
underground plane or horse road, about three feet square
and five or six feet high, in which men can take refuge
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
201
during the passing of a train, or when firing shots.
They may not be put in more than 20 yards apart on
engine planes, or 50 yards where horses are employed.
KEGULATOR. A door in the mine, the opening or
closing of which regulates the supply of ventilation to a
district.
KELEVEE (Pr.). A certain thickness of coal beds and
intervening measures (varying between 88 and 160
yards) in inclined strata, which forms a lift (10) or
series of workings being prosecuted to the rise at one
time. They are carried on on both sides of the shafts
and there are generally three in course of being worked
one above another simultaneously, viz. the uppermost
which is nearly worked out, the middle one in full
swing, and a lower one in course of being formed to take
the place of the upper one. See Fig. 109.
202 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
REMBLAIS. 1. (F.) A system of working a very
thick (sometimes 80 ft.) seam in Central France. A
horizontal slice is first taken out 6 feet 6 inches in
height across the seam, and the space filled up with
stone, &c., brought from the surface. A second lift (3)
is then extracted, and so on.
2. (F.) Synonymous with long-wall.
3. (F.) Synonymous with goaf.
RENK or KANK (N.). A standard measurement of
length employed underground, being 60 to 80 yards,
measured off periodically by an overman.
KENT (S.). See Back (1).
REPAIRER. A man who works in the mine, generally
at night, setting timbers, jpae&-building, road (2) laying,
&c.
RETURN. The air-course along which the vitiated
air of the mine is returned or conducted back to the
upcast shaft.
RETURN AIR. The air or ventilation which has
been passed through the workings.
REVERSE FAULT. See Overlap. See Fault, Fig. 70
(5).
REVIERBEAMT (Pr.). ^The chief Inspector of a dis-
trict who gives actual decisions, subject to appeal, in
reference to mining questions, rules, &c. He receives
every year from the coal master a plan of the workings
proposed to be carried out during the following year, to
which he may object within 15 days. He acts under
the authority of the Oberlergamt.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 203
KHONE (S.). A trow or gutter, generally 12 feet
in length.
EIB. 1. A narrow strip or block of solid coal.
2. (S.) A seam or stratum.
KIB AND PILLAR (S. S). A system upon which the
Thick coal seam was formerly extensively mined, being
a kind of pillar and stall plan.
KIBAND -STONE. Sandstone in thin layers alternating
in colour, generally light and dark grey.
RIBBING. 1. (L.) A strip of coal three yards in width.
2. Enlarging a heading or drift.
EIBS (Pa.). The sides of a rectangular pit-shaft.
EICE (B.). See Lacing and Lagging.
EICING (N. S.). See Lacing.
EICKET or EICKETING. 1. (M.) A narrow brattice
for ventilation. See Fig. 27 (right-hand side of).
2. (M.) A channel formed along the floor of a mine
for drainage purposes.
EIDDING. 1. (N.) See Redd.
2. (N.) Separating ironstone from coal shale.
EIDDING PUCKING (S. W.). Cutting up a crept floor.
EIDE. To be in a cage or bowk whilst descending or
ascending a pit-shaft, or to ride in trams on planes or
ways.
EIDER. 1. A guide-frame for steading a bowk in a
sinking pit.
2. (S. W.) Lads who ride upon the trams on engine
planes.
3. A name commonly given to a thin seam of coal
overlying a thicker one.
204 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
RIFLING (S. S.). Working the upper portion of a coal
seam over a waste or goaf.
RING. 1. A complete circle of tubbing plates placed
round a pit-shaft.
2. (N.) See Garland (1).
KING-CRIB. A wedging crib upon which tubbing is
placed, having a gutter or ring cast round the inner
edge, to collect any water that may run down the walls
of the shaft.
RINGER (D.). A hammer for driving wedges.
KINGER AND CHAIN (M.). See Dog and Chain.
BINGES (N.). See Cowls.
KIP (M.). To cut or blast down the roof or top.
RIPPER. A man who rips.
KISE. 1. The inclination of strata when viewed in
the direction opposite to the dip.
2. An increase of wages paid to colliers, &c.
RISER (K). An upthrow fault.
KISE SPLIT. A proportion of the ventilative current
sent into a rise district of a mine.
KISE WORKINGS. Underground workings carried on
to the rise or high side of the shafts.
RISING MAIN. See Column in re water.
RIVELAINE (Belg.). A pick much used by colliers (1).
RIVES IN. Cracks open, or produces fissures.
ROAD. 1. Any underground passage, way, or gal-
lery. See Main Road.
2. The iron rails, &c., or Permanent Way of under-
ground roads (1).
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 205
EOAD-HEAD (S.). See Gate-end.
KOADING. Eepairing and maintaining roads.
ROB. To cut away or reduce the size of pillars of
coal, &c.
BOBBED OUT (C.). Worked away. See Hollows.
EOBBLE. A fault. See Horses.
ROCK. Generally means sandstone.
ROCK AND RIG (S. S.). A sandstone full of little
patches and shreds of coal, sometimes mixed up in a
very singular way.
ROCK BIND or ROCK BINDEKS. Sandy shale.
ROCK DRILL. A rock-boring machine worked by
hand or by compressed air or by steam. Very exten-
sively employed in tunnelling, sinking, and driving stone-
drifts in mines.
ROCK FAULT. A replacement of a coal seam over a
greater or less area, by some other rock, usually sand-
stone. They may be regarded as ancient stream
courses. Are narrow as compared with their length,
and turn and wind about as do rivers. See Fig. 70 (2),
which is a rock fault in cross section.
ROCK HEAD (Ch.). The uppermost stratum of the
rock-salt beds.
ROCKING LEVER. See BraJcestaff.
RODDING. The operation of fixing or repairing
wooden cage guides in shafts.
RODS. 1. Vertical or inclined timbers for actuating
pumps.
2. Long iron bars of Swedish iron of the toughest
quality, for boring through rocks, &c.
206 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
3. See Cage Guides.
KOLL. 1. An inequality in the roof or floor of a
mine.
2. (S. W.) The drum of a winding engine.
3. See Bump.
ROLLER. Small steel, iron, or wood wheel, upon
which a hauling rope is carried just above the floor.
They are placed every 8 or 10 yards along an engine
plane. They are from 4 inches to 12 inches in
diameter, and in length or width from 1 inch to 24
inches.
ROLLEY (N.). A kind of truck running upon wheels
for carrying tubs or corves, drawn by horses along under-
ground ways.
ROLLEY-WAY (N.). The underground road along
which rolleys are conveyed.
ROOF. The top of any subterraneous passage or
working.
ROOFING (Ch.). The upper 5 or 6 feet of the rock-salt
beds.
ROOM. 1. (S.) A heading or short stall.
2. A weight of 7 tons of coal, or 5J- chaldrons by
measure.
ROOM AND RANGE (S.). A system of working coal
somewhat similar to double stall, which see.
ROOVE. To rub or knock against the roof.
ROPE-ROLL. The drum of a winding engine.
ROSH (Lei.). See Rait.
ROTCHE or ROCHE (S. S.). A softish and moderately
friable sandstone.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 207
KOUND COAL. Coal in large lumps, either hand-
picked or after passing over screens to take out the
small.
Kow (N. S.). A seam or bed (2), e. g. the " Bow-
hurst " and " Two Kow " coals.
KOTALTY. 1. The mineral estate or area of a colliery,
or a portion of such property. A field of mining
operations,
2. A rent payable on coal, &c., worked from a
Royalty (1). See Acreage Rent.
BUBBING SURFACE. An expression used in reference
to ventilation, meaning the total area of a given length
of airway, i. e. areas of sides, top, and bottom, all added
together.
KUBBISH. Fallen stone from the roof, holing dirt and
debris made in sinking, dinting, &c.
BUBBLE. A coarse gravelly loose stone or bed of rock.
BUBBLES. 1. (F. D.) See Kibbles and Nuts.
2. (S.W.) Slack or small.
BUCK (L.). The stock of coals on the bank (1).
BUDDING (N.). See Redd.
BUN. 1. See Journey.
2. To brake orjig.
3. A breakaway upon an inclined-plane.
4. (Pa.) The sliding and crushing of pillars of coal,
producing falls of roof.
5. A word commonly made use of to express the
degree of leverage or breaking-down power of a shot.
When a considerable length of wall face is brought down
208 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
by the action of a single shot, the shot is said to run
well.
6. To work a winding or hauling engine.
7. Soft ground is said to run when it becomes mud and
will not hold together or stand.
RUN COAL. Soft bituminous coal.
RUNNER. 1. A movable bridge or platform over the
mouth of a sinking pit.
2. A fault slip.
3. A Crow's-foot, which see.
4. (Y.). A flat piece of timber placed above bars,
and connecting them.
5. (Lei.) The piece of timber placed in a horizontal
position between the two inclined sprags in cocJcermegs.
See Fig. 42. It is cut from two to four feet in length,
and assists greatly in steadying the sprags and to
keep up the coal wall.
RUNNER ON. See Bottomer.
RUNNING AMAIN (S.). The breaking and running of
a winding rope down into the pit-shaft.
RUNNING A MINE (S.). Forming a drift (2).
RUNNING GUG (Som.). A self-acting jig.
RUNNING LIFT. A sinking sett (1) of pumps con-
structed to lengthen or shorten at will, by means of a
sliding or telescopic windbore.
RUNNING MEASURES. Sands and gravels containing
much water.
RUNNING THE DRUM. The lowering or sinking of a
cylinder or drum through quick ground, to secure the
upper part of a coal shaft.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 209
RUN RIDER. A. lad who goes with a train on an
engine plane.
RUN THE Tow (S.). Sliding down the pit-shaft on
the winding rope. Running the tow is a common practice
in shallow mines.
RUSH (S.). The sudden weighting of the roof when
robbing the pillars begins, and the roof is a strong
one.
RUSKS (NV). Small slack, or that next larger than
dust or dead small.
BUTTLES (Y.). Shattered and faulty ground running
roughly parallel to the plane of & fault.
s.
SADDLEBACK. A depression or valley in strata. See
Eoll
SAFETY CAGE. A cage fitted with an apparatus for
arresting its motion in the shaft in case the winding
rope breaks.
SAFETY DOOR. A strongly-constructed door hinged
to the roof of the mine, and always kept open and hung
near to a main door, for immediate use in case of
damage by explosion or otherwise to the main door.
SAFETY LAMP. A miner's lamp which reveals the
presence of fire-damp when the proportion of this gas in
the atmosphere of the mine is such that the mixture
is already very dangerous, and the moment of explosion
is near at hand. The flame is generally surrounded by
p
210
A GLOSSAEY OF TEEMS
Fig. 110.
a cylindrical covering of wire gauze, which protects the
surrounding atmosphere from being fired, even though
the gases within the lamp have reached the explosive
proportions. See Clanny, Davy, Geordie,
Mueseler (Fig. 110).
SAFETY TOOLS. Consist of Catching
Hooks, Grappling Tongs, Fish-heads, Bell-
screws, and the like, for recovering broken
boring tools, picking up material, &c., at
the bottom of boreholes (1) and Kind-
Chaudron sinking pits.
SAGGER or SEGGER. A kind of fireclay.
SALTING. Sprinkling salt upon the
floors of underground ways in very dry
mines, in order to lay the dust. See Coal
Dust.
SAMPSON POST (Pa.). A stout wooden .post carrying
the working beam of a boring apparatus.
SAW. A tool for removing irregularities from the
sides of boreholes (1).
SAWNEY (M.). To lower full trams down a road or
face that dips, with a rope or a chain for a brake, or
drag, passing round a prop, &c.
SCALE. A small portion of the ventilative current
in a mine passing through a certain-sized aperture.
SCALE DOOE. See Regulator.
SCALLOP. To cut or break off the sides of a heading
without holing them, or using powder.
SCAMMED (N.). Sooty.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 211
SCAMY-POST (N.). Soft, short, jointy freestone,
thinly laminated and much mixed with mica.
SCAEES (N.). Thin laminae of iron pyrites or spar in
coal.
SCATTER (Y.). A rumbling or falling noise in a pit-
shaft.
SCISSORS FAULT. A fault of dislocation in which the
beds are thrown somewhat as shown in Fig. 111.
Fig. 111.
SCOOP (Y.). A barrel or box used in a gin pit.
SCORE. 1. (N.) A standard number of tubs of coal
upon which hewers1 and putters prices for working are
paid. The score generally varies between 20 to 26
2. A bill run up by a collier (1) in " bad times " for
the necessaries of life.
SCOTCH. 1. A wooden stop-block or iron catch
placed across or between the rails of underground road-
ways, to keep the tubs from running loose, or to hold
them when standing upon an inclined plane.
2. (Lei.) The lower lift (3) of coal which is wedged
up in driving a heading a few yards from the lack (2).
By having a scotch formed, it enables four hewers to work
together in driving a heading, say 7 feet by 6 feet.
SCOTCH GAUZE LAMP. See Gauze Lamp,
p 2
212 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SCOUR (M.). To excavate or brush a roadway
through a goaf.
SCOVENS (S. S.). Forks (?) for filling coal into tubs.
SCOWL A BROW (F. D.). To drive a heading or
level by guesswork.
SCOWLES or SCOULES (F. D.). See Meend.
SCRAPER. A light wooden rod for clearing boremeal
out of a drill hole.
SCRATCHER. A boring tool for scraping or scratching
np the debris, to be afterwards removed by a mizer.
SCREEN. 1. A mechanical apparatus (a sort of grid-
iron) for separating small from large coals. It is erected
on the surface.
2. A cloth brattice or curtain hung across a road in a
mine to direct the ventilation.
SCRIN (D.). Ironstone in irregular-shaped nodules.
SCROLL DRUM. See Conical Drum.
SCRONGE (S. W.). The loosened or broken strata
overlying and produced by workings underneath.
SCUD. 1. (Lei.) Very thin layers of soft matter,
such as clay, sooty coal, &c.
2. (M.) Iron pyrites embedded in coal seams.
SEA COAL. That which is conveyed away from the
collieries by sea ; be it house, steam, or manufacturing
coal.
SEALING. Shutting off a pit or part of a mine after a
fire or an explosion by means of stoppings.
SEAM. Synonymous with bed, mine, vein, row, band,
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 213
&c. Some seams are made up of a number of beds in-
terstratified with shale, &c.
SEAT (Y.). The bottom or floor of a mine.
SEAT EARTH (Y.). Generally a kind of hard fire-
day forming the floor.
SEATING. The masonry in which a steam boiler is
set.
SEAT STONE. See Seat Earth.
SECOND WORKING. The operation of getting or
working out the pillars of coal formed by the first
working; e. g. long-wall, working home, working the
broken, drifting back, &c. Second working is paid for by
the ton or by the score (1).
SECTION. 1. A term usually applied to a vertical
exposure of strata.
2. A drawing or diagram of the strata sunk through
in a pit-shaft or inclined plane, or proved by boring.
SEED BAG (Pa.). A stout leather tube passed with
the tubing or lining of a borehole (1) into water-bearing
ground. The annular space between the tube and the
leather is filled with flax seed, which, becoming moist
with the water, expands, and thus effectually stops out
the water.
SEG (N.). To bend down in the middle.
SELF-ACTING INCLINED-PLANE. An inclined-plane
upon which the weight or force of gravity acting upon
the full tubs is sufficient to overcome the resistance of
the empties ; in other words, the full set (1) draws the
empty set up the hill. See Incline.
SELF-DETACHING HOOK. See Detaching Hook
214 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
SEPAEATION COAL. Coals of various sizes loaded
separately into wagons, &c. See Dry Separation and
Wet Separation.
SEPARATION BOOKS. Doors fixed underground
(generally two, sometimes three), between the intake
and the return, near the pit bottom.
SEPARATION VALVE. A massive cast-iron plate sus-
pended from the roof of a return air war/, through
which all the return air of a separate district flows,
allowing the air to always flow past or underneath
it ; but in the event of an explosion of gas the force of
the Uast closes it against its frame or seating, and pre-
vents a communication with other districts. The Uast
being over, the weight of the valve causes it to return
to its normal position, aud allows the district to breathe
again.
SEBVE (N.). Gas is said to serve when it issues more
or less regularly from a fault slip, a break (1), &c.
SET. 1. (N.) See Journey.
2. (S. S.) To get the sides off and trim up a heading.
3. (N.) To load a tub unfairly by placing the
greater part of the coals on the top of it and leaving
the bottom part comparatively empty.
4. (N.) The natural giving way of the roof for want
of support.
5. To fix in place a prop or sprag.
6. Timbers fixed in a heading, &c., as in Double
Timber, which see.
7. To set or make an agreement with miners to do
certain work by the bargain : e.g. to set a stall.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 215
SET COAL (Lei.). Coal near to hollows having a hard
dead nature.
SET OUT (K). See Lay Out.
SETT. 1. A column of pump trees, with buckets or
ram, &c., complete.
2. The area of mines worked (4) by a separate colliery
or firm.
3. (M.) A measure of length along the face of a
stall, usually from say 6 to 10 feet, by which holers and
drivers work aud are paid. A certain number of setts
comprise a day's work.
4. Setting up a dial for taking a bearing or sight (2).
SETTERS (N.). Large lumps of coal placed round
the sides of coal dealers' carts, for the purpose of piling
up a good load in the centre.
SETTINGS (S. S.). Timbers set as shown in Fig. 59.
See Double Timber.
SETTLE BOARDS. 1. (N.) Iron plates or sheets form-
ing the floor of a heapstead, to admit of the tubs being
pushed and turned about with facility.
2. (N.) See Cage Shuts.
SETTS OFF. See Distance Blocks.
SHAB (Som.). Friable shaley rock.
SHAFT. 1. A vertical pit or hole made through
strata through which the produce of the mine is
brought to the surface, and through which the ventilation
is passed into and out of the workings. It is generally
the only outlet from the mine to the surface. Shafts
are usually constructed in a circular form, though oval
and rectangular ones are not uncommon. They vary
216 A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
iu diameter from say 7 to 20 feet. The deepest shaft
in Great Britain is 2817 feet, and 16 feet in diameter
within.
2. A wooden handle of a pick, &c.
3. (S. W.) To pull or draw at a tub.
SHAFT FOOT (S.). See Pit Bottom.
SHAFT KIP. See Kip.
SHAFT LAMP. See Comet.
SHAFT PILLAR. Solid coal left unworked beneath
colliery buildings and around the shafts, to support them
against subsidence and creep. The size and form of
shaft pillars are regulated by the depth to, and thick-
ness and inclination of, the seam of coal to be worked.
SHAFT BENT. 1. Eent paid for the use of a shaft (1) for
raising the minerals from another royalty by outstroke.
2. Interest on capital invested in sinking a shaft (1).
SHAFT-TUNNEL (N. S.). Crutts or levels driven across
the measures from shafts (1) to intersect rearers.
SHAGGY METAL (Ch.). See Horse Beans.
SHALE. Strictly speaking, all argillaceous strata
that split up or peel off in thin laminae. In mining
language it is generally indurated clay or bind (1).
SHAM DOOR. A check or regulator door.
SHANK (S.). A shallow shaft (1) underground.
SHARP (M.). Hard and compact in re rock or sand-
stone.
SHARP GAS. Fire-damp which explodes suddenly
within a safety lamp without showing any perceptible
cap (1).
USED IN COAL ^MINING, ETC. 217
SHEAKEK. See Saw.
SHEARING. Cutting a vertical groove in coal similar
to holing at the bottom of the seam.
SHEAR LEGS. A high wooden frame placed over an
engine or pumping shaft (1), fitted with small pulleys
and rope for lifting heavy weights in the pit.
SHEARS (S.). A haulage clip, which see.
SHED. 1. (Pa.) A kind of long car or trolley.
2. A thin smooth parting in rocks, having both sides
polished.
3. A very thin layer of coal.
SHEETS. Coarse cloth curtains or screens (2) for
directing the ventilative current underground.
SHELL BAND. See Mussel Band.
SHELL DOOR. A temporary door.
SHETH. 1. (N.) To course the air in the workings.
2. A set or panel of boards (1).
SHETH DOOR (N.). A door fixed in a working going
headway course, for temporary purposes only.
SHETHING THE AIR (N.). Ventilating the goaves in
a systematic way.
SHETHS (N.). The ribs of a chaldron wagon.
SHE'S FIRED ! An explosion of fire-damp has taken
place in the pit ! See Squat Lads !
SHEUGH or COAL-SHEUGH (S.). A shaft (1) or coal
pit.
SHIDES (B. S.). Pumps for draining mines.
SHIFT. 1. A certain number of hours of work; a
218 A GLOSSAKY OF TERMS
certain proportion or change of workmen. See Double
Shift.
2. A fault of dislocation.
SHIFTER. 1. See Runner on.
2. (N.) One who repairs roadways in a mine.
SHIFTWORK. Work performed underground : e.g.
timbering, way (1) cleaning, &c.
SHIVER. See Bind (1).
SHIVERED. Knocked to small by blasting.
SHIVERY. Short and tender; easily broken up or
worked (5).
SHOE-NOSE SHELL. A cleanser specially constructed
for working in hard ground.
SHOES. Steel or iron guides fixed to the ends and
sides of cages, to fit and run upon the conductors.
SHOE SHELL. A tool used in deep boring for cleans-
ing out the boremeal. It has a valve at the bottom,
opening upwards.
SHOOTING. Blasting in a mine.
SHOOTING FAST (L.). Blasting without previously
holing or shearing the coal.
y «/
SHOOTING THE GOB (N. S.). Working the coal in
the pillars of rearers by blasting.
SHORN. Cut with a pick.
SHORT (N. S.). Coal is short when of a very friable
or tender nature.
SHORTS. 1. The contents of trams filled with coal, or
coal and dirt mixed, otherwise than in accordance with
the colliery regulations.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 219
2. Deficiency of mineral worked under a lease during
any year or other period agreed upon. In granting a
lease of coal, &c., it is customary to insert a clause
which provides that if the quantity of coal raised from
the estate during any year at an acreage or tentale rent
does not amount to the certain or minimum rent, the
lessee may in any subsequent year get and raise such
quantity of minerals as shall make up the deficiency
without paying any more rent than the minimum.
Exercising this right is commonly known as making up
shorts.
SHOUT STALL (M.). See Single-road Stall (Fig. 113).
SHORT- WORKINGS. See Shorts (2).
SHOT. The firing off of a cartridge of gunpowder,
dynamite, &c., in blasting.
SHOT FAST. Coal which is worked by blasting, and
has had a fast shot in it.
SHOT HOLE. The borehole (2) in which the explo-
sive substance is placed for blasting. It is usually
from 18 inches to 3 feet in depth, according to the
nature of the rock (including coal) being operated upon
and from 1 inch to If inches in diameter. These holes
are put in either by hand or by machinery. There are
hand-power rock perforating machines, both percussive
and rotary in action, also similarly acting machines
worked by steam and compressed air. Hand-made
holes with the ordinary drill or jumper are always more
or less three-cornered in shape.
SHOT LIGHTER or SHOT FIBER. A man specially
appointed by the manager of a mine to fire off every
220 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
phot in a certain number of stalls or heads during the
shift He shall not fire until he has examined the
immediate neighbourhood of the shot and found it free
from gas and otherwise safe.
SHOULDER CUTTING (S. S.). Cutting the sides of the
upper lift of a working place in a Thick-coal colliery next
the rib, preparatory to falling the coal.
SHOW. When the flame of a safety lamp becomes
elongated or unsteady, owing to the presence of fire-
damp in the air, it is said to show.
SHUT or SHUTT. 1. (S. S.) The crushed and broken-
down roof or overlying rock of a seam of coal.
2. Old workings. See Goaf.
SHUTERS (S. S.). Slue Bind.
SHUTTER. 1. A movable sliding door having balance
weights attached, fitted within the outer casing of the
Guibal fan, for regulating the size of the opening from
the fan, to suit the ventilation and economical working
of the machine.
2. The vibrating arm or door of the Cooke Ventilator.
See Ventilator.
SHUTS (S.). See Keps.
SHUTTLES (L.). Natural cracks running at right
angles to the dip of the strata.
SHUTTING. See Shooting.
SIDDLE (N.). The inclination or dip of a bed of coal,
&c.
SIDE. 1. The more or less vertical face or wall of
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 221
coal or goaf forming one side of an underground working
place.
2. (L.) A district.
SIDE CHAIN (M.). A chain hooked on to the sides
of tubs when running upon an engine-plane or jig, to
keep all the tubs together in case a coupling
breaks.
SIDE OF WORK (S. S.). A kind of chamber or
panel in the Thick-coal workings containing from two to
twenty pillars. Fig. 112 shows a plan of a side of work.
Fig. 112.
SIDE-OVER (N.), To cut or drive in a line with the
cleat through a pillar of coal when working the
broken,
SIDE-WAFER or SIDE-WAVER (N.). 1. Overhanging
stones or roof in underground roads liable to drop.
2. A fall of sagger, &c.
SIDING-UP (N.). Width of a tub and room for gears (1).
SIGHT (Eye-sight). 1. On reaching a pit bottom,
the eyes require to be allowed time to adjust themselves
to the darkness. This period is known as taking time
to get your sight.
222
A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
2. A bearing or angle taken with a dial when making
an underground survey.
SIGNS (employed upon colliery working plans) : —
Air crc&iFuup. sh&vn, OVUA
Coal worked/ „.
J}ips of move
Direction, cftiieJlir current.
[Wooden,
(
(
Doers ... .......
Downcast shaft .... shewn thus
Faults ............
Furnace
Regulators
Staple or Drop-pit
Stoppings
Upcast shaft
r
,*->.
SILL. 1. (N.) A face of hard rock: e. g. the Great
Whin Sill.
2. (C. Y.) Much the same as Clunch, Spavin,
Warrant &c.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.*
223
SlNG. When a freshly cut-into seam of coal gives
off gas and water with a hissing noise resembling the
boiling of a tea-kettle, it is said to sing.
SINGING COAL. A bed of coal from which gas is
ordinarily issuing from the partly-exposed face in the
mine, producing a hissing sound, particularly if the
surface be wet. This is the usual manner in which gas
is given off in mines.
SINGING LAMP. A safety lamp which, when placed
in an atmosphere of explosive gas, gives out a peculiar
sound or note, the strength of the note varying in pro-
portion to the percentage of fire-damp present,
SINGLE-ROAD STALL (S. W.). A system of working
coal as shown in plan, Fig. 113.
Fig. 113.
SINGLE-KOPE HAULAGE. That system of under-
ground haulage in which a single rope is used, the
empty set (1) running iribye by gravity.
SINK. 1. To excavate strata downwards in a vertical
line, for the purpose of winning and working minerals.
2. To lore (1) or put down a borehole (1).
224 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SINKER. A man who works at the bottom of a shaft
in course of being sunk. He bores the shot-holes,
charges them and fires them off, sends the debris to bank,
and assists in putting in tubbing, walling, pumps, &c.
SINKING. A pit-shaft or shafts (1) being put down in
order to work coal, &c.
SINKING PIT. A shaft in course of being sunk.
See Sink.
SINKS (L.). Natural cavities met with in iron
mines.
SIT (M.). A coal face (1) or buttock is said to sit
when, after the sprags have been drawn, it will not fall
over and break up, but merely cracks off and rests in
that position until pulled over.
SITS. 1. (S.) Creeps or subsidences of cover.
2. A fall of roof.
SIZE. In reference to a fault ; this word means the
extent of the displacement or the throw, which see.
SKEEL (Som.). A kind of cage in which coals are
lowered down the cuts or staples.
SKEP. A bucket or tub a pit-horse drinks out of.
SKERRIES (W.). Greenish-white micaceous sand-
stone.
SKERRYSTONE (M.). Hard, thin-bedded sandstone.
SKEWS (S.). See Lypes.
SKID (B.). See Eudge.
SKIDS. Slides or slippers upon which certain coal-
cutting machines travel along the faces (1) whilst at
work.
SKIP, sometimes SKEP. 1. (S. S.) Acoaltfraw or box.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 225
2. See Cu/at.
3. (S.W.)
SLABS. Lagging placed over bars.
SLACK. Small coal which will pass through a
screen (1). There is no standard size distinguishing
coal (2) from slack.
SLAG (N.). See Brat.
SLANT. An underground roadway driven more or
less on the rise or dip of the mine.
SLAP (Som.). See Slack.
SLATCH (Som.). See Lathe.
SLATE COAL. A hard, dull variety of coal, not
unlike Cannel.
SLED, properly SLEDGE. See Cart.
SLEEK (B.). Soft and troublesome, as applied to
the state of the floor in steep seams.
SLEW (D.). See Lum.
SLICKENSIDES. The smooth striated surface of joints
on opposite walls of a fault or fissure.
SLICKS. Smooth partings or mere planes of division
in strata.
SLIDE. A fault.
SLIDES. See Cage Guides. Made either of wood or
rolled iron.
SLIDING JOINT. A boring rod made in two portions,
one sliding within the other, to allow of the concussion
or shock produced by the weight of the falling rods
being modified or taken off the cutting tool in very
deep boreholes (1).
Q
226 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SLIDING SCALE. A mode of regulating the amount
of wages in mining districts by taking as a basis for
calculation the market value of coal or iron, the
amount rising and falling with the state of the trade.
For example, when pig-iron sells for (say) 60s. per ton,
the wages of underground men to be (say) 5s. a day ; but
when pigs are at 70s., miners' wages shall be (say) 5s. Qd.
a day, or rising Qd. a day for each rise of 10s. in the
price of iron.
SLIDING WINDBORE. The bottom pipe or suction-
piece of a sinking sett of pumps (pumps used in a sinking
pit), having a lining made to slide or telescope within
it, to give length without altering the adjustment of
the whole column of pumps.
SLIG or SLIGGEN (I.). Shale.
SLINE or SLYNE. 1. A facing or smooth parting or
joint in coal, &c.
2. (M.) Potholes in the roof.
SLIP. 1. A fault. See Fig. 70 (1).
2. A smooth joint or crack in strata.
SLIP CLEAVAGE (S. W.). The cleat of the coal run-
ning in planes parallel with slips (1). See Fig. 114.
SLIP-DYKE (N.). See Slip and Fault.
SLIPE (S. S.). A skip without wheels, a sledge.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 227
SLIPPERS. See Shoes.
SLIP& (M.). Full of slips (2).
SLIPPY BACKS (N.). Vertical planes of cleavage
occurring every four or five inches in the seam of coal.
SLIP SPEAR (Pa.). A tool for extracting tubing
from a borehole (1).
SLIP-THINGS (S. S.). The more or less vertical
planes of cleavage in coal, &c.
SLIP-TROUBLE (S.). See .Slip (1).
SLIT. A short heading put through to connect two
other headings.
SLITTER. See Pick
SLIVERS. Strips of wood or iron fitted in between
the edges of boards in wooden bratticing, to make the
joints air-tight.
SLOOM (M.). A softish earthy clay or shale often
underlying a bed of coal.
SLOPE. 1. See Slant.
2. (Pa.) The main engine-plane or inclined road-
way driven in the seam of coal worked from the surface
outcrop, up which the whole of the produce of the mine
is raised by the winding engine.
SLOT (Y.). To Me (1).
SLOTTINGS (Y.). Coal cut away in the process of
holing.
SLUDGE PUMP. A short iron pipe or tube fitted
with a valve at the lower end, with which the boremeal
is extracted from a borehole (I).
SLUDGER. See Sludge Pump.
Q 2
228 A GLOSSAKT OF TEEMS
SLUM, SLUMS, SLUMBS. 1. (N. S.) A blackish,
slippery, indurated clay.
2. A soft clayey or shaley bed of coal.
SLYPE (S.). See Sawney.
SMALL. See Slack.
SMART FIRE (N.). A severe though small explosion.
SMART MONEY (N.). A weekly allowance of money
given by employers to workmen who get injured whilst
at work.
SMELL. The early indication of a fire-stink percep-
tible to the nose.
SMIFT. A bit of touch-paper, touch-wood, greased
candlewick, or paper or cotton dipped in molten sulphur,
attached by a bit of clay or grease to the outside end
of the train of gunpowder when blasting. Its object is
to ignite the shot after giving the miner sufficient time
to retire to a place of safety.
SMITHEM or SMYTHAM. 1. (M.) Fine slack.
2. Clay or shale between two beds of coal.
SMITH ORE (F. D.). See Brush (2).
SMOKY PIT (M.). An upcast shaft with a furnace at
the bottom of it.
SMOOTH (S.W.). The line of face (1) of a stall
SMOOTH-HEADS (Y.). See Bright-heads.
SMOOTHS (S. W.). Planes of cleavage more or less
vertical.
SMUDGE. See Smithem (1).
SMUT. See Coal Smut.
SMUTH or MUCKS. Very inferior coal.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 229
SNAP (M.). See Bait.
SNAPPING TIME (M.). A short period of rest during
a shift in which a collier takes his snap.
SNAPS (M.). A haulage clip. See Fig. 79 for tail
rope clip.
SNECK Y. A carving (2) ?
SNECKS (S,). Appliances for diverting wagons from
the main line into a siding.
SNIBBLE (N.). See Locker.
SNOREHOLES. The holes at the bottom of a snore-
piece through which the water enters to the pump.
SNOREPIECE. The lowest end of a pump sett (I)
through which the water passes.
SNUFF. See Smift.
SOAPSTONE (Y., N.W.). A variety of fireclay, some-
times applied to Bind (1).
SOAMS (N.). A pair of cords about three feet in
length, by which foals and half marrows pull tubs along
the roads.
SOCKET. The innermost end of a shot hole not blown
away after firing.
SOCKET BAR. See Beche.
SODS (Lei.). Clay beneath coal seams.
SOFT. Tender, full of slips and joints, friable.
SOFTS (M.). Coals which easily break up.
SOLE. A piece of timber set underneath a prop.
SORTING (M.). Turning over by hand and examin-
ing the round coal as it comes from the mine ; dividing
it up according to size and quality into various sorts to
230 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
suit the trade, carefully throwing aside all inferior or
stony coal.
Sos (S. S.). To sink into the floor under great
pressure from overlying strata.
SOUFFLARD (F.). See Blower.
SOUNDING. Knocking on the roof, &c., to ascertain if
it is sound or safe to work under.
SOUTENEMENT (F.). Propping and packing the roof.
SPAN-BEAM. A long wooden beam supporting the
head pivot of the drum axle of a gin, and resting at
the extremities upon inclined legs.
SPARE (N.). A deal wedge from 6 to 8 inches long,
for driving behind tubbing plates when adjusting them
to the circle of the shaft.
SPAVIN (Y.). Clunch, or ordinary bottom or under-
day.
SPEAKING-FLAME LAMP. See Singing Lamp.
SPEAR PLATES. Wrought-iron plates bolted to the
sides of spears where joined together. See Fig. 115.
Fig. 115.
SPEARS. Wooden pump-rods of Memel or pitch pine
timber cut into lengths of about 40 feet, and, for heavy
work, often measuring 16 inches square. Wrought-iron
pears are also used.
SPIDERS (U. S. A.). See Drum Rings.
SPIKING CURBS. Light rings of wood to which
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 231
planks are spiked, bevelled to suit the sweep of the
shaft, when plank tubbing is used in sinking through
water-bearing ground.
SPILES. 1. Narrow-pointed tubbing wedges.
2. See Lacing.
SPILING (N.). See Spiles (1).
SPIRAL DRUM. See Conical Drum.
SPIRES (Lei.). Coal of a hard, dull, slaty nature,
and difficult to break up.
SPIRAL WORM. A tool for extricating broken
boring rods. Fig. 116.
Fig. 116.
SPLINT or SPLENT (S.). A laminated, coarse,
inferior, dull-looking, hard coal, producing much white
ash ; intermediate between eannel and common pit coal.
SPLIT. 1. A division of the air-current underground.
Each separate district should have its own split of fresh
air.
2. To divide the ventilative current after it reaches
the pit bottom.
3. To divide a pillar or post (1) by driving through
it one or more roads.
SPLITTINGS (L.). Two horizontal level headings
driven through a pillar in pillar workings, in order to
work away the coal in the pillar.
SPOIL. Debris [stone, shale, bad coal, dirt, and all
rubbish] raised from the mine and thrown on one side.
232 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
2. A stratum of coal and dirt (1) mixed.
SPOIL-BANK or SPOIL-HEAP. The place on the sur-
face where spoil (1) is deposited.
SPOUT (S. S.). A short underground passage in the
Thick-coal workings connecting a main road with an
air-head.
SPOUT-HOLE (S. W.). 1. A short siding upon which
trams are loaded in the pit.
2. See Bolt.
SPRAG. A short wooden prop set in a slanting
position for keeping up the coal during the operation of
holing. It is a general rule that sprags shall be set not
more than 6 feet apart.
SPRING BEAMS. Two stout parallel timber beams
built into a Cornish pumping-engine-house, nearly on a
level with the engine beam, for catching the beam, &c.,
and preventing a smash in case of a break down in the
pit work
SPRING DART. An arrow or fish-headed boring tool
for extricating a lost implement, or for withdrawing
lining tubes. Fig. 117.
Fig. 117.
SPRING HOOK. An iron hook attached to the end of
a winding, capstan, or crab rope, fitted with a spring
for closing the opening, and thus preventing the kibble,
&c., from falling off.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 233
SPRING POLE. A fir pole having considerable
elasticity, to which the boring rods are suspended when
boring for coal, &c. Also sometimes employed for
shallow pumping, when it is actuated by cams or cranks
from an engine.
SPUNNEY (L.). See Jinney.
SPUKNS (S. S.). Narrow pillars or webs of coal
between each holing, not cut away until the last thing
before withdrawing the sprags.
SPUE KOAD (S.). A branch way leading from a
main level.
SPURT (F. D.). A peculiar kind of stone, much
disintegrated and mixed with colouring matter.
SQUANDER (Y.). To beat or kill (extinguish) an
underground fire.
SQUARE WORK. 1. (S. S.) An old system of working
the Thick coal by getting the upper beds first and then
the lower ones.
2. A system of working a seam of coal by cutting it
up into square blocks or pillars. See Stoop and Room.
SQUAT, LADS ! " Fall flat down on the floor I "
In the early days of coal mining, before safety lamps
were much used and ventilating was little understood,
setting fire to gas was a very common thing ; so, when-
ever an explosion took place, the colliers shouted to one
another, " Squat, lads I " so that by lying close to the
floor they were often able to escape the fire and Hast
in a great measure, as it passed over them. See She's
fired!
234 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
• SQUEEZE. 1. See Creep.
2. See Nip.
SQUIB. A straw, rush, paper, or quill tube filled
with a priming of gunpowder, which is passed through
the touch-hole into the cartridge or charge in blasting,
and ignited by means of a smift.
S-ROPE. The winding (2) rope which passes round the
under side of the drum (1) from or to the pulley ; so
called because it takes the form of the letter S.
STACK. To build up coals, ironstone, &c., into heaps
on the surface for winter or other use
STACKER. 1. One who stacks coals, &c.
2. (Lei.) A butty out of the pit who looked after
the unloading of the boxes on the bank (on behalf of the
coal-getters) in the earlier days of mining.
STACK OUT (M.). To dam off or shut up the
entrance to a goaf by building a wall of stone or coal
in front of it.
ST ADDLE (M.). The foundation of a pack in iron-
stone workings.
STAGE. 1. A platform upon which trams stand.
2. The pit bank.
3. A certain length of underground roadway worked
by one horse.
STAGE PUMPING. Draining a mine by means of two
or more pumps placed at different levels in the shafts or
workings in such wise that each intermediate pump
receives its water from the pump next below it, and
raises it to the next above ; and so on to the surface or
adit.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
235
STAGE WORKING. A system of working minerals
by open hole in which the various beds are removed in
steps or stages in manner shown in section, Fig. 118.
Fig. 118.
STAIR PIT (S.). A shallow shaft or staple in a mine
fitted with a ladder or steps.
STAITHES (N.). Depots in which coals are placed
when they come from collieries by wagons, to be ready
to be loaded into keels. They date from 1709. Timber
forms the chief material of construction of statthes, and
they are fitted up with an arrangement of shoots or
spouts, down which the coals run into the vessels. See
cross-section, Fig. 119. In South Wales hydraulic
drops and hydraulic shoots are employed at the staithes.
When the former are used, the coals, in boxes, are
jibbed out, lowered over the vessel's hatchway, and
withdrawn again when empty : sometimes a counter-
balance weight is employed alone for raising the empty
boxes. With the hydraulic shoots, a full wagon is run
on to a stage at the top of the shoot, the rear end of the
stage is raised or the front end lowered, as the case may
be, so as to incline the wagon and cause the coal to fall
out at the end door (with which the wagons are all
fitted) on to the shoot. Counterbalance shoots also are
commonly employed upon staithes, wherein all the
236
A GLOSS AEY OF TERMS
movements are regulated by counterbalance weights,
the action being very similar to that of the hydraulic
apparatus above referred to. The coals are sometimes
Fig. 119.
lowered from the mouth of the shoots into the bottoms
of the vessels by means of an endless band or chain
carrying iron buckets, which are fed from a hopper and
descend into the hold.
STAKE (Lei.). To fasten back or prop open with a
piece of chain or otherwise the valves or clacks of a
water barrel (1), in order that the water may run out of
it back into the sump when necessary.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 237
STALACTITES (Y.). Icicle-shaped formations upon
the roof, produced by droppings of water of a saline
nature.
STALL. A working place in a mine, varying in
length from a few feet to 80 yards or more, according
to the thickness of the seam and system of working
adopted.
STALL AND EOOM WORK. Working the coal in
compartments, or in isolated chambers or pillars.
STALL GATE. A gate road along which the mineral
worked in a stall is conveyed to the main road.
STALLING. Working in a stall, in the capacity of a
butty or contractor.
STALLMAN. See Butty.
STALL WORK. Working coal, &c., in stalls.
STAMPING MAUNDRIL (Lei.). A heavy pick
STANCH AIR (Som.). See Choke-damp.
STANCHION. See Puncheon.
STAND. Does not break down or require timbering.
A rock or coal roof generally stands better than one
composed of shale or clay.
STANDAGE. An underground lodge or reservoir for
water on its way to the sump or pumps.
STANDARD. The fixed rate by which colliers' wages
are from time to time regulated. See Sliding Scale.
STANDARD AIR-COURSES (N.). The various quan-
tities or supplies of fresh air allowed to pass through
each district or split.
STANDING. Not at work, not going forward, idle,
at play (1, 2), laid off.
238 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
STANDING BOBBY (N".). An exploded shot which
rips the coal but does not blow the stemming out, and
expends itself in lacks (1) without doing its wo,rk.
STANDING FIRE. A fire in a mine continuing to
smoulder for a long time ; often many years.
STANDING GAS. A body of fire-damp known to exist
in a mine, though fenced off.
STANDING SET. A fixed lift of pumps in a sinking
pit.
STANK (M.). A water-tight stopping ; generally a
well built brick wall.
STANKING (Ch.). See Stank.
STAPLE or STAPLE PIT. A shallow shaft within a
mine.
STAR REAMER (Pa.). A tool for regulating the
diameter of or straightening a borehole (1), made star-
shaped at the base.
START (N.). A lever for working a gin to which
the horse is attached.
STATION. 1. Any fixed point underground beyond
which naked lights may not be carried.
2. Any fixed point in a mine where deputies meet to
report upon the condition of their respective districts
and to consult together.
3. An opening into a level heading out of the side of
an inclined plane.
STEAM COAL. A hard, free-burning, non-caking,
white ash variety of coal. The finest steam coals of
South Wales are moderately hard and almost smoke-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
239
Fig. 120.
STEAM JET. A system of ventilating a mine by
means of a number of jets of steam at high pressure
kept constantly blowing off from a series of pipes in the
bottom of the upcast shaft. Ventilating by this system
gives only about 30 per cent, at most of the useful
effect produced by a fan or furnace.
STEEL MILL. An apparatus for obtaining light in
the workings of a mine where
naked lights were considered un-
safe. It was brought out by one
Spedding, of Whitehaven, in 1760,
and used up to 1815, when the
safety lamp was invented. Its
object was to produce a shower of
sparks by holding a piece of flint
against the rapidly-revolving periphery of a wheel
about six inches in diameter, the rim of which was
steel. See Fig. 120.
STEEP SEAMS. See Edge Coals and Bearers.
STEER (Lei.). Steep, highly inclined, dips fast.
STEIGER (Pr.). See Fireman. He has the super-
vision of only one fixed part or district of a mine.
STEINING. The brick or stone lining of a pit shaft,
Fig. 121.
to prevent the loose strata of the sides from falling in.
Three methods of steining are shown in Fig. 121.
240 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
STEMMER. A copper rod used for stemming (2).
STEMMING 1. Fine shale or dirt put into a shot-hole
after the powder, and rammed hard.
2. Ramming or beating the stemming (1) solid.
STENTING (N.). See Stenton.
STENTON (N.). A short heading at right angles to a
cross cut (2).
STEP BANKS (S. W.). Working places having re-
gular distances along the carvings or cuttings between
the ends of the stalls in the long -wall system.
STEPPING (N.). The system of working faces of
coal one in advance of the next to it. See Fig. 91
(upper range of workings).
STEPS. See Step Banks.
STERIL COAL. Black shale or clay on top of a coal
seam.
STEWARD (Y.). See Underviewer.
STIFFENER (S. W.). A door for regulating the
ventilation.
STILLING (N.). The walling of a shaft within the
tubbing above the stone head (2).
STIMPLES (S. W.). Small timbers. See Lacing.
STINT. 1. (M.) A . measure of length by which
colliers hole and cut coal. A stall face is usually
measured off into a number of stints or holing setts (3),
varying between 4 feet and 6 feet, and each collier holes
a certain proportion of them for his day's work,
according to the length and depth of the stint, and
hardness of the seam.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 241
2. (GK) A certain number of trams filled per man
per day.
3. (S. S.) A collier's day's work.
4. (B.) To fix upon, or agree to, a certain number
of trams being filled per stall per day.
STIRRUPS. A screw joint suspended from the brake-
staff or spring -pole, by which the boring rods are adjusted
to the depth of the borehole (1). „
STOBB. A long steel wedge used in bringing down
coal after it has been holed. See Feathers.
STOQK. 1. Coals laid down at surface during slack
trade, or in reserve for an extra demand at any
time.
2. The average tonnage sent out of a working place
in one day.
STOCKING END. 1. (L.) The inner end of a heading
at a short distance from which there is a depression or
lum in the seam, which has become more or less filled
with water, causing the ventilation to be cut off from
the lack (2).
2. (Lei.) A Geordie.
STOMP. 1. (M.) To set a prop or sprag with one end
let into a slight hole cut out of the floor or roof to
receive it.
2. A short wooden plug fixed in the roof, to which
lines are hung, or to serve as a bench-mark for
surveys.
STONE. 1. A term commonly used for sandstone,
post (2), or almost any rock of a stony character.
E
242 A GLOSSAET OF TEEMS
2. Ironstone, which see.
STONE COAL. Anthracite, in lumps. Also certain
other very hard varieties of coal.
STONEHEAD. 1. A heading driven in stone, bind,
measures, &c.
2. (N.) The first hard stratum met with underlying
quicksand.
STONEMAN (N.). *0ne who is employed in driving
a stonehead, or who rips, timbers, and repairs roads.
STONE MINE (S.). An ironstone pit or working.
STONE TUBBING. Water-tight stone wallitig of a
shaft, jointed and fastened at the back with cement.
STONE WOKK (S.). Driving of drifts or galleries in
measures. See Stonehead (1).
STOOK (N.). A pillar of coal about four yards
square, being the last portion of a full-sized pillar to be
worked away in board and pillar workings.
STOOK AND FEATHEK. A wedge for breaking down
coal, worked by hydraulic power, the pressure being
applied at the extreme inner end of the drilled
hole.
STOOL (D.). To sit, which see.
STOOLS (F. D.). Sigillarise, viz. the fossil form of
the stem of a tree, which grew during the Coal
period, occasionally met with (probably in situ) in
mines.
STOOP. 1. (S.) See Ranee.
2. (M.) A prop or puncheon.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
243
STOOP AND EOOM (S.). A system of working coal
very similar to pillar and stall (Fig. 122).
Fig. 122.
i_n_
nnan
STOOPING (S.). Working away the stoops (1).
STOOP KOADS (S.). Koads driven in the solid or
whole coal on the stoop and room system.
STOPPAGES. Deductions from miners' wages, such as
rent, candles, blacksmith's work, field club, &c.
STOPPER (S. S.). See Stopping.
STOPPING. A solid stone, brick, or clay wall built
right across a thirl or any other description of road or
entrance to a worked-out place. They prevent the
access of air to goaves, and cause it to circulate through
and further into the mine; are often plastered with
lime on the intake side and packed at the back with
sand, slack, 'burnt stuff, or rubbish. See Dam, Signs.
STOP TRUCKS (S. W.). Scotches.
STOW. To pack away rubbish into goaves, old
roads, &c.
STOW-BOARD (N.). A "board or heading in which
debris is stowed.
STOWSES (N.). A windlass or wallow.
R 2
244 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
STRAIGHT BIT. A flat or ordinary chisel for "boring.
STRAIGHT COAL (S. S.). An excavation made in the
Thick coal, having the solid coal left on three sides of it.
STRAIGHT ENDS AND WALLS (N. W.). A system of
working coal somewhat similar to, board and pillar.
Straight ends are drifts or headings from 4 feet 6 inches
to 6 feet in width. Walls are pillars 30 feet wide.
STRAIGHT WORK or STRAIT WORK. The system of
getting coal by headings or narrow work. See Course,
Fig. 44.
STRAPS (M.). Old iron way rails put up between
the coal face and the front rank of props, in long-wall
stalls, for supporting a tender roof.
STRAW. A fine straw filled with gunpowder, and
used as a fuse.
STREBBAU (Pr.). The long-wall system, which see.
STRET. 1. (N. S.) See Straight Work
2. (M.) Solid, close, compact: e. g. gobbed stret,
packed stret, &c.
STRETCHER (Y.). A prop or spray.
STRIKE. 1. The line at right angles to the dip (3) ;
a level course.
2. To meet with, or hit a fault, hollows, &c.
STRIKE JOINTS (U. S. A). Joints in strata parallel
to the strike (1).
STRIKING DEALS. Planks fixed in a sloping direc-
tion just within the mouth of a shaft, to guide the bowk
to the surface.
STRIP (M.) To get coal, &c., alongside a fault,
barrier, hollows, &c.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 245
STEIPPING (Y.). A web of coal worked off all along
the face of a stall.
STRONG. A word having reference to the character
of a bind or metal, meaning that the argillaceous is
largely mixed with the arenaceous or siliceous material.
STRUCK (N.). Level full; strickle measure.
STRUM (N.). A kind of iron sieve placed round the
suction pipe of a pump, for preventing stones or other
rubbish passing into the pump.
STRUVE VENTILATOR. A pneumatic apparatus in-
vented by a Mr. Struve, consisting of two vessels,
something like gas-holders, which are moved up and
down in water. By this means the air is sucked out
of the mine as required. See Ventilator.
STUFF. 1. Coals and slack, the produce of the mine.
2. (Sh.) See Bind.
STUMP (Pa.). The block of solid coal at the entrance
to a breast, having a narrow roadway on either side.
STUMPING (L.). A kind of pillar and stall plan of
getting coal.
STYTHE. Carbonic acid gas. A gas commonly given
off from old workings, and one found to result from the
breathing of men and horses, the burning of candles
and lamp?, and from the explosion of gunpowder used
in blasting. Shallow and badly ventilated mines pro-
duce stytlie. See After-damp and Slack-damp.
SUB (M.). Meaning subsist ; money or wages paid
on account.
SUCK. See Back-lash.
SULPHUR (S. S.). Old term for fire-damp, which see.
246 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
SUMP or SUMPH. 1. The bottom of shaft below the
lowest inset.
2. A portion of the shaft bottom of a sinking pit sunk
down lower than the other, forming a kind of dish into
which the water collects, and which is always allowed to
be the deepest part.
3. (N.) A portion of a length of a broken working,
or of a jud.
BUMPER. A shot placed in or very near to the centre
of the bottom of a sinking pit.
SUMPT (S. S.). See Sump.
SURFEIT (N.). Choke-damp.
SURGE. To slip accidentally.
SWABSTICK. A short wooden rod bruised into a kind
of stumpy brush at one end, for cleaning out a drilled
hole.
SWAD. See Dant.
SWAG (L.). Subsidence or weighting of the roof.
SWALLOW HOLES (L.). See Sinks.
SWAMP. A depression or natural hollow in a seam.
See Lum.
SWAPE (N.). A great oar by which keels are steered.
SWAYING OF A BANK (Y.). An expression commonly
made use of in South Yorkshire, which means that a
lank (4) is undergoing disturbance in the roof, due to
weight (1, 2).
SWEAL. 1. See Gutter.
2. A candle is said to sweal when the grease runs
down, owing to its burning in a strong current of air or
being improperly carried or fixed.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 247
SWEAT (M.). The roof of a mine is said to sweat
when drops of water are formed upon it, due to the
heating of the waste or goaf. Sweating is generally
the first indication of & fire-stink.
SWEEP-HEAD PICK A pick the form of the head of
which is made curved instead of elbowed or anchored, as
other kinds are termed.
SWEET. Free from fire-damp or other gases, or from
fire-stink.
SWELL. A kind of fault. See Horses.
S WELLY, also SWALLY, also SW^LLY (N.). A thick-
ening out of a seam of coal over a limited area.
SWILLIES (Y.). Detached portions of coal strata
forming small basins, — say not more than one mile in
diameter.
SWINE-BACK (S. W.). See Horses.
SWING. The arc or curve described by the point of
a pick or maundril when being used by a holer or in
cutting coal ; called the swing of the pick.
SWINGING BONT or BANT (M.). Before the intro-
duction of cages and conductors, the skips of coal, &c.,
and men were raised and lowered swinging loose in the
shafts. Very shallow mines are still worked in this
manner. The word bont -means land, a rope or chain.
SWOM STUFF. An old term for certain alluvial
deposits met with in coal measures.
SIPHON or SIPHON-PIPE. A simple, very effective,
and economical mode of conveying water in a mine
over a hill, or from one lodge to another, from a higher
248 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
to a lower level. It takes the form of an iron pipe
(w. i. tubes are perhaps the most suitable), the vertical
height of which must not exceed 28 or 30 feet between
the water to be run off and the summit of the hill, and
the length of the discharge end must exceed in height
that of the suction end, or the siphon will not work.
T.
TACK. 1. (N.) See Spurns.
2. (Som.) A wooden scaffold put into a pit-shaft for
temporary purposes.
TACKLE. The ropes, chains, detaching hooks, cages
or kibbles, and other apparatus for raising coal, &c., in
pit-shafts.
TACKLERS or TUCKLERS (Lei.). Small chains put
round loaded corves, to keep the coal from falling
off.
TACKLER SKIP (S. S.). A kind of box in which men
used to ride in a shaft, used also for carrying minerals.
See Paddy Pan.
TACKS (N.). The rock walls or sides surrounding a
number of boreholes (2) which in driving stone heading (1)
in fiery mines are drilled in the head-end or face, and
the tacks between them are forced out or cut away
without resorting to blasting.
TACKSMAN (S.). The lessee of a colliery.
TAGUE. An iron plate fitted on one side with a
semicircular projection or rib, and two other short
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 249
curved pieces, suited to the gauge of the tram rails, by
which the wheels of the trams are guided from the
plate on to the rails. See
Fig. 123. Fig'123-
TAIL BACK. When fire-
damp ignites at a furnace or
by other means, and the
flame is elongated or creeps
backwards against the cur-
rent of air, and possibly causes an explosion of a large
body of gas, it is said to tail lack into the workings.
TAIL CRAB. A crab for overhauling and belaying
the tail rope (3) in pumping gear.
TAIL IN (M.). To run out or terminate a length of
holing stints at a buttock or other particular point along
the stall face, or (if commencing to open-off stalls) from
the side of a heading.
TAILLES CHANSANTES (F.). Coal workings where
the strata lie horizontal or nearly so.
TAILLES MONTANTES (F.). Workings to the rise or
in steep seams.
TAIL-PIPE. The suction of a pump.
TAIL HOPE. 1. A round steel or iron wire rope
working in conjunction with, and being an appendage
to, a main rope in the system of underground haulage,
where the inclination of the ways is only slight. By
the tail rope the empty set is drawn inbye'. They are
much used in branch dip-ways or slants, in which
system they are drawn inbye by the weight of the
empties or by horses, engine-power of course being
applied to bring the full set back, or outbye.
250 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
2. A round wire rope attached to cages as a balance.
See Koepe System.
3. A round hemp rope used for moving pumps in
TAIL-ROPE SYSTEM OF HAULAGE. This is worked
with a single road or line of rails, and generally applied
under the following circumstances. When the average
gradient of the wagon-way is not sufficient to cause the
empty set to draw a single rope in after it ; when the
gradient dipping outbye is not sufficient to establish a
self-acting inclined-plane system ; or when the gradient
for the full tubs is insufficient to enable the train to
draw a single rope after it. The full set is drawn out-
bye with a main rope, and the empty set is hauled inbye
with a tail rope, both ends of the set being attached to
a rope. The engine has two drums, one for each rope,
one always running loose whilst the other is in gear.
The tail rope is carried upon small sheaves or rollers,
either on the floor or towards the roof. The speed of
the set does not usually exceed 8 or 10 miles per hour.
TAKE. 1. The extent or area of a lease of mineral
property — often several thousand acres.
2. (L.) To show or reveal gas.
TAKE OUT (C.). To crop out.
TAKEE-OFF (Y.). See Puller-o/.
TAKE THE AIR. To make experiments with the
anemometer, or by other means to ascertain the amount
of ventilation passing through a mine. See Water
Gauge.
TAKING. A Take.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 251
TAKING OF PROPS (L.). Drawing the timber in the
wastes of workings.
TALE (Som.). A day's work or a day's output of
coal.
TALLY. A mark or number placed by a collier (1)
upon every tub of coals loaded and sent out of his
working place. They are usually little bits of tin having
a number stamped upon them, and hung upon the tub
by a short piece of string. By counting the number of
these tallies when taken off the tubs at surface, and
ascertaining the average weight of coal in each tub, the
quantity of coals sent out of each stall is arrived at.
TALLY-SHOUTEE. One who shouts out the numbers
on the tallies to the weigher.
TAMP. To fill up a borehole (2) above the charge
with some strongly-resistant substance, such as shale or
dirt pounded up small, and rammed hard upon the
powder before firing off the shot.
TAMPING. The stuff used to tamp with. " See
Stemming.
TANGERS (S. W.). Timbers fixed in a particular
manner for supporting the sides of headings in shifting
or very soft ground.
TAP. 1. To cut or bore into old workings for the
purpose of liberating accumulations of gas or water.
2. To win coal in a new district.
TAPPING THE HOLLOWS. A common expression,
meaning allowing water or gas or both to flow out of
disused ivorkings (often under a great pressure) ; an
252 A GLOSS AEY OP TERMS
operation requiring great caution, and occasionally
attended with risk.
T CHISEL. A boring tool with its cutting edge made
in the form of the letter T, but a little curved, T.
TEEM, sometimes TEM. To tib rubbish, &c., down a
spoil-bank. See Dump.
TEEMING TROUGH (L.). A cistern into which the
water is pumped from a mine.
TEETH-WORK (S.). Signifies working coal end on,
which see.
TELEGRAPHS (Pa.). Shoots which convey coal from
screens (1) to pockets at breakers.
TEMPER SCREW (Pa.). See Stirrup.
TEN (N.). A certain weight of coal agreed upon
between lessor and lessee, upon which a royalty is paid
at so much per ten of round and so much per ten of
small. A ten varies between 48 and 50 tons, or
18J Newcastle chaldrons of 53 cwts.
TENTAIL KENT (K) A rent or royalty paid by a
lessee upon every ten of coals which are worked in
excess of the minimum or certain rent.
TENTER. A man who has the control or working of
an engine or jig, or who looks after the horses in a
pit.
THICK COALS or THICK SEAMS. Coal seams of
greater thickness than (say) 8 or 10 feet (sometimes met
with as much as 130 feet), or those which are worked in
two or more stages or lifts (3). The Thick coal of South
Staffordshire is about 28 or 30 feet thick.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 253
THICKNESS (of a fault). It is measured by the line
a & (Fig. 77). See Hade.
THILL (N.). See Floor.
THIN OUT. A coal or other seam of mineral is said
to thin out when it decreases in thickness so as to
become unworkable at a profit.
THING. 1. (N. S.) A straight facing from floor to
roof, and often many yards in length.
2. (M.) A fault slip.
THIN SEAMS, THIN COAL. Coal seams (say) less than
3 feet in thickness.
THIRL or THIRLING. Sometimes Thol&nd Ihurl.
1. See Cross-hole.
2. (Lei.) To cut away the last web of coals, &c.,
separating two headings or other workings.
THREAD. 1. (M.) See Cleat.
2. (M.) A more or less straight line of stall faces,
having no cuttings, loose ends, or fast ends or steps.
THROUGH AND THROUGH (S. W.). The system of
getting or cutting bituminous coals without regard to
the size of the lumps.
THROUGH COAL (S. W.). See Altogether Coal.
THROUGHER (S.). A thirl (1) put through between
two headings which are up-stoop.
THROW. 1. (Y.) A fault of dislocation.
2. The vertical distance between the two fractured
ends of a bed of coal, &c., at a fault. See Hade.
THROWN. Faulted, broken up by & fault.
THRUST. Creep due to weight. When the floor is
254 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
harder than the roof, the subsidence of the latter causes
a crushing down of pillars.
THWARTING (Som.). A short branch (1) driven
between two or more veins where they are nearly
vertical.
TIE-BACK. A beam serving a similar purpose as a
fend-off beam, but fixed at the opposite side of the shaft
or inclined road.
TIGER. See Nipping Fork.
TIGES DE BONDAGE (F.). Soring rods.
TILL (I.). Shale.
TILLER. See Bracehead, but made in a rather
different form, and usually of iron.
TIMBER. 1. Pitwood, e. g. Props, bars, sprays,
lagging, &c.
2. To set, fix, or place timber (1) in a mine.
TIMBERER. One who sets (5) and draws props, puts
up bars and lacing in the roadways and workings.
TIME. Hours of work performed by day men, la-
bourers, &c.
TIN CAN SAFETY LAMP. A Davy lamp placed
inside a tin can or cylinder having a glass in front,
air-holes near the bottom, and open-topped; thus
transforming an instrument of great danger in a rapid
current of air into one of great security.
TINKER (D.). Laminated carbonaceous shale.
TIP. A platform upon which a pair of iron tram
rails, fixed upon an axle and attached to a lever, are
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
255
bolted down, for emptying tubs into wagons, boats, &c.
See Fig. 124.
Fig. 124.
TIPPER or TIPPLER. An apparatus for emptying
tubs of coal on to screens (1). The tub is placed in the
tippler, turned upside down, and brought back empty
to its original position, with a minimum of manual
labour. It is constructed principally of wrought iron,
and usually fitted with a brake. See Fig. 125.
Fig. 125.
TIRR. See Overburden.
TOE. See Spurn.
TOKEX. 1. (S. W.) A thin bed of coal, &c., indi-
cating a thicker seam at no great distance.
2. See Tatty.
256 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
TOLL (Ch.). Eoyalty on rock salt.
TOOM (N.). Empty.
TOP. 1. See Eoof.
2. See Cap (I) or Blue Cap.
TOP HEADS (S. S.). Passages driven in the upper
part of the Thick coal for draining off the gas ; first
adopted by one James Eyan about the year 1808.
TOPIT. A kind of bracehead, but much smaller,
which is screwed on to the top of boring rods when
withdrawing them from the hole (2). It is attached to
a rope worked from & jack-roll.
TOPPLE (S. W.) from TOP-HOLE. A working place
driven to the rise of the main levels.
TOPPLY (S.). The uppermost layers of a bed of coal
left for a roof.
TOPS. See Top.
TORRENTS. Beds of quicksand met with below the
chalk marl in the Anzin coal-field, in France.
TOT (N.). A measure of gunpowder used in
blasting.
TOUCH. See Fuze.
TOUGH (Sh.). Grey, plastic clay.
TOUT VENANT (Belg.). Coal as landed on lank (1),
previous to screening (1) and sorting.
Tow. 1. (Lei.) Dark, tough, earthy clay or shale.
2. (S.) A winding rope of hemp.
TRACK (Pa.). Underground railways or tramways.
TRAILER (N.). See Putter.
TRAIN. See Journey.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
257
TRAIN BOATS (T.) A number of compartments
hinged together in a simple manner admitting of free
articulation, in which coals are carried on canals or
rivers from the mines to the shipping ports. The train
may either be propelled or towed. When towed, as
many as 30 compartments are linked together, but
when propelled the train consists of 10 compartments
steered by means of wire ropes along the sides, these
ropes being actuated by steam power. Each compart-
ment has a capacity of from 35 to 40 tons.
TRAIN BOY. A lad who rides upon the train, to
attend to the rope attachments, signal in case of de-
railment of tubs, &c.
TRAM. 1. See Box, Corf, Tub, Sleep. In South
Wales trams constructed wholly of wrought iron or
steel are much used in the steam-coal collieries. They
weigh about 9 cwt. empty, and have a carrying
capacity of 25 cwt See Fig. 126.
Fig. 126.
2. To haul or push trams (1) about in a mine.
TRAMMER. See Haulier, Putter.
TRAMMING. See Haulage.
TRAM-PLATE. Cast-iron plates of [_ section, weighing
about 12 Ibs. to the yard, upon which wagons and
trams run. See Tram-road.
258 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
TEAM-ROAD. A road laid with tram rails or plates.
So called after one Benjamin Outram, of Little Eton,
in Derbyshire, who in 1800 used stones for carrying
the ends of the metal plates or edge rails. The name
Outram was subsequently contracted into Tram, hence
tramway, trams, &c.
TRAM-ROPE. A hauling-rope to which the trams are
attached by a clip or chain, either singly or in sets.
Bound steel ropes are always used.
TRAP. 1. (S.) A steep heading along which men
travel.
2. (B.) See Lid.
3. (Som.) A fault of dislocation.
4. See Grappel.
5. See Whin.
TRAP DOOR. A small door, kept locked, fixed in a
stopping or holt, for giving access to firemen and certain
others to the return air-ways, dams, or other disused
places in a mine.
TRAP-DOWN (B.). A fault which is a down-throw
one.
TRAP DYKE. A fault (not necessarily accompanied
by a displacement of the strata) in which the spaces
between the fractured edges of the beds are filled up
by a thick wall of igneous rock called trap (5) or whin.
Frequently met with in the collieries of the North of
England and Scotland. The word Trap is derived from
the Swedish Trappa, a stair.
TRAPPER (N.). A small boy employed underground
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 259
in opening and shutting doors during the passage of
tubs and horses.
TRAPS (S.). Travelling roads for miners in Edge
Coals driven on the slope of the seam.
TRAP-UP (B.). A fault which is an up-throw one.
TRAUNTER (M.). A sprag. See Tront.
TRAVAIL A COL TORDU. (F.). See Holing.
TRAVELLING KOAD. An underground passage or
way used expressly, though not always exclusively, for
men to travel along to and from their working places.
TREE. 1. See Leg (1), Puncheon.
2. A pump-tree, which see.
TREE UP (S.). To set up props or trees (1) in the
workings.
TREPAN. 1. (F.) A boring chisel of the ordinary
form.
2. The boring head or tool used in the Kind-Chaudron
system of sinking shafts. It consists essentially of a
horizontal wrought-iron bar, to the underside of which
are attached steeled teeth, so placed, that as the bar is
rotated round the central axis of the pit, each tooth in
falling with the bar through the requisite length of the
stroke, which is from 10 to 20 inches, cuts for itself an
annular portion of the bottom of the shaft. A large
and a small trepan are used : the smaller one first bores
out a hole from 4 to 6 feet in diameter, according to
the required size of the shaft, in advance of the full
size of the pit, into which the debris falls. The trepans
are suspended by long wooden rods, and for a shaft of a
diameter of say 15 feet, the larger one will weigh
s 2
260
A GLOSSAEY OP TEEMS
Fig. 127.
about 20 tons, and the smaller say 11 tons. In ordinary
strata the average daily advance of the boring will be
about 3 feet. Fig. 127 is a
large trepan.
TRIG. A sprag used for
stopping or putting the brake
on trams, wagons, &c.
TRIMMER. See Pricker (3).
TRIMMERS (N., S. W.).
Men who fill up the holds of
vessels (colliers (2) ) with the
coals discharged into them
from staithes.
TRIP. See Kick -up or
Tipper.
TRIPLET (N.). See Tipper.
TROLLEY. 1. A Tram.
2. (B.) A kind of Lum, or basin-shaped depression
in strata.
TROMMEL. To separate coal into various sizes by
discharging them with the least possible breakage.
TROMPE. AVater-blast apparatus for producing ven-
tilation by the fall of water down a pit-shaft. It con-
sisted of a pipe, which the water enters in a funnel-
shaped stream, and regulates the discharge of water;
the air enters chiefly through holes just below ; the
water breaking on a block is forced through the air-pipe
or trunk.
TRONT (M.). A long sprag fixed diagonally to the
face of the coal wall.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 261
TROUBLE. A Fault.
TROW (Lei.). A rectangular wooden pipe made in
lengths of 12 or 14 feet, and from 3 to 12 inches square
inside, for conveying the water feeders down the side of
a shaft to the garlands (1). Used also occasionally for
ventilating a trial heading, staple, or other nook-and-
corner in the workings.
TROUSSE COLLETEE (F.). A narrow wedging crib
placed beneath an ordinary one.
TROUSSE PICOTEE. An ordinary wedging crib.
TROUGH FAULT. A wedge-
shaped fault, or, more correctly,
a mass of rock, coal, &c., let
down in between two faults,
which faults, however, are not
necessarily of equal throw (2).
See Fig. 128.
TRUCK. See Tram.
TRUMPET LAMP (N.). Miner's term for a Muesder
or Belgian safety-lamp.
TRUMPETING (S. S.). See Brattice. Fig. 27 brick.
TRUNCHEON (Som.). A sleeper for underground
railways.
TRUNK. 1. (M.) A wooden box or sledge or sled in
which the debris is conveyed from a heading of very
small sectional area, or up a staple.
2. (B.) A wooden pipe or box for conveying air in
the workings.
3. (Y.) See Kibble.
TRUNK PUMPING-ENGINE. One which commands the
262 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
drainage of underground waters over a considerable
area of mines, being a substitute for a number of
smaller and independent pumps.
TRUNT (N. S.). A heeding driven on a level.
TRYING THE LAMP. The examination of the flame
of a safety lamp for the purpose of forming a judgment
as to the quantity of fire-damp mixed with the air.
When fire-damp forms 1 part out of 13 of air, the
mixture becomes explosive ; when 9 to 10 parts of air
to 1 of gas, the explosive force is greatest : 5 parts of
air to 1 of gas causes the most feeble explosion.
TUB. 1. See Box, Corf, Tram.
2. A complete length of metal or timber tubbing from
and including the wedging crib upwards.
TUBBED BACK. Springs or feeders of water met
with in sinking pit-shafts are said to be tubbed lack when
tubbing has been put in to keep the water from getting
into the mine.
TUBBING. Cast-iron and sometimes timber lining or
ivalling of a pit-shaft to keep back springs of water
from flowing into a mine. See Plank tubbing. Of
metal tubbing there are three kinds employed, viz. —
1. Ordinary outside-flanged tubbing, put in in seg-
ments and wedged up water-tight.
2. Inside screwed tubbing put in in rings (1) and
segments bolted together and wedged, either built up
from a wedging crib or lowered from the surface as a
cylinder through water-bearing strata to the stone-head
(2).
3. Complete rings or cylinders built up one above
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
263
another at surface as they are lowered into the pit,
bolted together at the joints, which have inside flanges.
See Fig. 129, showing the three systems in plan as
well as in section.
Cast-iron tubbing first used in 1792, at Wallsend.
Fig. 129.
a-
TUBBING PLATES. Cast-iron segments forming por-
tion of a ring of tubbing. See Fig. 129, 1 and 2, a a ;
also enlarged views, Fig. 130. Generally from 10 to 12
Fig. 130.
Frcnb
plates form a ring (1). Thickness of the metal from
1 to 2 inches, according to the pressure of water.
TUBBING WEDGES. Small wooden wedges of pitch
pine about 4 inches in length, 1^ inches in width, and
i inch in thickness at the thick end. They are
264 A GLOSS AEY OF TEEMS
hammered in between the joints of lulling plates until
no more can be made to enter, thus stopping back
every drop of water from the shaft.
TUBING. The lining of boreholes (1) with wrought-
iron tubes to keep the sides from running in.
TUB WAGON (L.).
TUB-WAY (N.). Tram-rails, sleepers, &c.
TUCKLEES (Lei.). Short chains formerly used for
raising and lowering men in a shaft. Three men gene-
rally sat in them at one time. See Bant, Tacklers.
TUGGEB (B.). A short chain by which boys draw
tubs along.
TUGGEE BOY (B.). One who draws small tubs (1) or
sleds about underground by means of a tugger. Called
Tugger-work.
TUMBLEE. 1. (N.) A stop, scotch, or catch, affixed
to each deck of a cage for keeping the tubs in place.
2. (S.) See Tipper.
3. (Som.) See Kneeler.
TUMBLING TOMS. Tippers that turn completely
over.
TUNNA (Sw.). See Bowh, Kibble.
TUNNEL (L.). See Crut.
TUEN. 1. The hours during which coals, &c., are
being raised from the mine.
2. See Shift.
3. To draw or wind (3) coals up a shaft or up an
inclined plane to the surface.
4. Curved tram rails laid round a corner or turn,
often made of cast iron.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
265
5. (S.) To drive headings to form stoops.
TUKN AGAIN (N. S.). A change in the direction of
the dip of the strata.
TURN BARREL (M.). See Jack-roll
TURNING. Drilling a shot-hole by hand.
TURNING OUT (S. S.). Bringing coals to the skips (1).
TURN OUT. A siding or pass-by upon an under-
ground rolley-way.
TURN PULLEY (M.). A pulley wheel fixed at the
inbye end of an endless or tail-rope hauling plane, round
which the rope returns. It may be fixed either verti-
cally or horizontally, and is usually from 4 to 6 feet in
diameter. See Lurry (1), Fig. 94.
TURN-STAKES. See Stowses.
TURNTABLE. A cast-iron disc or small horizontal
platform revolving on a vertical axis, and supported
upon small wheels, upon which tubs or trams are turned
round upon the pit lank.
TWIBILL. A strong pick used for stone-work, with an
eye generally rectangular.
TWIN BOY (B.). A small
boy employed underground
to push trams along a twin-
way.
TWIN -WAY (B.). Two
branch roads set away, one
on either side, out of a main
road to the face of the
stalls, through which trams are pushed by twin boys.
See plan, Fig. 131.
Fig. 131.
266 A GLOSS AEY OF TEEMS
Two (S.). A cage-i\\\. of men.
TWO-THROWS. When in sinking, a depth of about
12 feet has been reached, and the debris has to be raised
to surface by two lifts or throws with the shovel (one
man working above another). At this point the em-
ployment of a hand windlass becomes necessary.
TYMP. See Cap (2), Lid. Usually about 12 or 15
inches in length.
TYPES (S.). See Lypes.
U.
U. C. Upcast shaft.
UDGED (D.). Loose, weak, liable to fall, sounding
hollow, or unsound. A roof or a piece of side is said to
knock udged when it produces a dead, hollow, unsafe
sound, upon being knocked upon with a hammer, &c.
UMBRELLA. See Bonnet.
UNDERCAST. An air course or wind road carried
underneath a wagon way or other road by constructing
a kind of bridge made airtight, or by driving a heading
Fig. 132.
in solid coal, &c., beneath the floor, sinking or sloping
down at either end. See Fig. 132.
UNDERCLAY. A bed of fireclay, clunch, or other
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 267
more or less clayey stratum lying immediately beneath
a seam of coal, and met with as forming the floor of
almost every bed of coal. Many geologists consider
underclays to have been the soil or surface upon which
the vegetation, now converted into coal, grew, flourished,
and died, as they contain the fossil remains of great
numbers of what are thought to have been the roots of
plants, &c.
UNDERCLIFF (S. W.). Argillaceous shale forming
the^oor of many coal seams in this coal-field.
UNDERCUT. To hole (1) or Jcirve.
UNDEREARTH (F. D.). A hard bastard fireclay
forming the floor of a seam of coal.
UNDEREDGE STONE (F. D.). The floor of an iron-
stone mine.
UNDER-GETTINGS. See Shorts (2).
UNDERGOING. See Holing, Kirving.
UNDER-LEVEL (01.). Winning (1) the ironstone by
driving drifts into the hill-sides, &c., instead of sinking
shafts.
UNDERLOOKER (L.). One who has the care and
superintendence of the colliers or miners and of the
workings, who receives his orders from the manager, and
to whom the overmen and deputies report upon the state
of the mine.
UNDERPINNING. Building up the walling of a 'pit-
shaft to join that above it*.
UNDERPLY (S.). A band or division of the upper
portion of a thick seam of coal.
UNDER-ROPE. See S-rope.
268 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
UNDER-SEAMS (S.). Lower or deeper coal seams.
UNDER VENTILATION. Too little air circulating in
a mine or working-place therein.
UNDERVIEWER (N.). See Underlooker.
UNGOTTEN. See Unwrought.
UNHOLED (Y.). Boardgates or other headings which
are not driven through or thirled into the adjoining
roadway.
UNWATER. To pump mines, or districts in mines,
dry.
UNWROUGHT or UNWORKED. Coal or other mineral
which has not been mined or worked away.
UP. 1. A stall or heading is said to be up when it is
driven or worked up to a certain line (a fault, hollows,
boundary, &c.), beyond which nothing further is to be
worked.
2. On the lank (1) or on the surface.
UP-BROW (L.). An inclined plane worked to the
rise.
UPCAST. The pit-shaft through which the return air
ascends and is got rid of. See Signs.
UP-HILL. A hoard or wicket.
UP-LEAP (M.). A fault which appears as an up-
throw. See Fault, Fig. 70 (1). From c to d is an up-
leap.
UP-OVER CRIB. A wedging crib placed on the top
of a length of tubbing, to tub (3) off the water in a certain
stratum.
UPSET (S.). A holt hole or thirl (1) put through
between two levels in edge coals.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 269
UP-STANDING (N.). The condition of a goaf when
such portions of the pillars are worked away as still to
leave the roof supported.
UP-STOOP (S.). When a heading is driven to a point
at which another should be put in or meet it at right
angles out of a parallel heading so as to form a stoop,
the first-named heading is called up-stoop. The headings
or rooms marked with the letter a in Fig. 122 (see Stoop
and Room) are up-stoop.
UP-THROW. See Up-leap.
Y.
VACUUM. The method of producing ventilation by
exhausting the air from the mine. See Fan.
VEAL (S.). A tank or water-barrel placed upon a
cage for emptying the sump.
VEE (M.). The junction of two underground road-
ways meeting in the form of a V.
VEERER (Som.). An old word for Banksman.
VEES, VEEZ, and VIESE (S.). A kind of soft earth
in a fissure or upon the sides of a dyke. See also
Leather-led.
VEIN (S. W.). A seam of coal.
VEISES (S.). Joints in the coal strata.
VENT or VENT HOLE. A small passage made with
a needle through the tamping, which is used for ad-
mitting a squib, to enable the charge to be ignited.
VENTILATING COLUMN. See Motive Column.
VENTILATING PRESSURE. The power or force re-
270 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
quired to overcome the friction of the air in mines.
This is found to increase and decrease in exactly the
same proportion that the area or extent of the rubbing
surface exposed to the air increases or decreases. The
rubbing surface depends upon the perimeter of the air-
ways and their length. See Drag (1).
VENTILATION. 1. The atmospheric air circulating
in a mine.
2. The art or method of producing, distributing,
maintaining, conducting, and regulating a constant cur-
rent or flow of atmospheric air in the shafts, levels,
inclines, staples, engine- and boiler-houses, stables,
returns, flues, edges of goaves, of old workings, &c., so as
to dilute, and as far as possible render harmless, the
noxious gases given off in the mine, and in that state to
convey them into the atmosphere at the surface. See
Natural Ventilation, Furnace, Steam Jet, Fan.
VENTILATOR. A mechanical apparatus for producing
a current of air underground.
There are about ten different types at work, all of
them being on the exhausting principle. They may be
divided into two clearly and radically distinct classes,
the first consisting of the Guibal, Kammel, Waddle,
and Schiele Ventilators, which are centrifugal fans,
and act by reason of the partial vacuum they are able
to produce; and the second consisting of machines
known as varying-capacity ventilators, and which act in
a similar manner to an air-pump. They are known as
the Nixon, Struve, Lemielle, Cooke, Hoot, and Goffint
Ventilators (see Fig. 133, which gives all the above-
mentioned ventilators in side elevation, with the excep-
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
Fig. 133.
271
Guibal.
Waddle.
Rammel.
Struve.
Goffint.
272 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
tions of the Lemielle and the Goffint, which are in
plan. The centrifugal ventilators are chiefly con-
structed of wrought iron or of steel, with cast metal
central bosses, and are made up to 46 feet in diameter
(Schiele up to 14 feet 6 inches). Lemielle's machine
consists of a vertical cylinder, within which revolves a
second cylinder or drum, also vertical, the axis of
which is placed eccentrically to the outer one. Upon
this cylinder are hinged doors, which act upon the air
in a somewhat similar manner to what the feathering
float-boards adopted in steamer paddle-wheels do upon
the water.
Cooke's Ventilator consists of two horizontal drums
mounted eccentrically upon a shaft : each drum as it
revolves moves almost in contact with a cylindrical
casing. A vibrating arm or shutter is hung by the
upper edge, and the lower edge is kept closely in
contact with the surface of the revolving eccentric
cylinder.
Boot's Ventilator is a rotary displacement machine,
discharging the air in four distinct volumes during
each revolution. It consists of two rotary pistons
revolving in a casing. They are constructed of wrought
iron and timber, and adjustable packing blocks are pro-
vided at each end of the ventilator chamber to prevent
slipping of the air.
The Nixon Ventilator consists of an enormous
horizontal double-acting air-pump, fitted with rect-
angular pistons running to and fro upon rails. Upon
the fronts and backs of the chambers are hung a
number of rectangular valves or flaps, through which
ingress and egress is given to the air.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 273
Struve's Machine consists of two vertical air-
pistons called aerometers, constructed of wrought iron,
which reciprocate vertically in annular tanks filled with
water. The inlet and outlet of the air is regulated by
rectangular valves in much the same way as in the
Nixon Ventilator.
The Goffint Ventilator (at Liege, Belgium) consists
of a horizontal double-acting piston-pump like that of
Nixon, but differing in construction from that machine.
VIEWER or COAL VIEWER. The general manager
or mining engineer of one or more collieries, who has
control of the whole of the underground works, and
also generally of those upon the surface. Underground
surveys and plans are generally made and kept up by
him, and the Manager acts under his authority and
directions. A word not much used now, and is giving
place to Mining Engineer and Agent.
VISETTE (R). See Slope or Incline.
VORHAUER (Pr.). This word means "Old man of
the stall." He corresponds to the first man or ~butty
collier of English mines.
VUGHY ROCK. A stratum of cellular structure, or
one containing many cavities.
w.
WAD COIL. A tool for readily extracting a pebble
or a broken tool from the bottom of a lore-hole (2), con-
sisting of two spiral steel blades arranged something
like a corkscrew. See Spiral Worm.
WAD-HOOK. See Wad Coil, Spiral Worm.
T
274 A GLOSSAEY OP TEEMS
WAFF (S.). See Brush (1), Dadding.
WAFTING (M.). See Brush (1).
WAGEMAN (Lei.). A collier who is paid by the day
for performing a fixed amount of work, e. g. blowing.
See Blow (1).
WAGON, sometimes WAGGON. See Box, Corf, Hutch,
Skip (1), Tram, Tub (1).
WAGONER (N. S.). A man or boy who goes with a
horse hauling tubs underground.
WAGON- WAY (N.). An underground engine-plane or
horse-road.
WALLERS (N.). Boys who pick out the bats and
other rubbish from coal wagons that have fallen
through the screens (1) unobserved.
WAITERS-ON. Men employed at the top of a sinking
pit to work the running platform and steady the kibbles,
&c.
WALL. 1. The face (1) of a long-wall working or
stall, commonly called the coal-wall.
2. (N.) A rib of solid coal between two boards.
WALL ["To the Wall"] (N.). A term signifying
breadth, in reference to the size of pillars in the system
of working known as Pillar and Stall.
WALL BARS. Prop Wood usually cut flat to fix
against the roof, close up to the working face, where
the roof is liable to break along the line of face (1).
WALL CUTTING. Cutting, shearing, and blasting oif
the sides of a sinking pit, preparatory to putting in
tubbing, coffering, or walling.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 275
WALLING. 1. The brick or stone lining of pit-shafts.
See Steining,
2. (D.) Stacking or setting up ironstone, &c., in
heaps, preparatory to its being measured or weighed off.
WALLING CRIB. Oak cribs or curbs upon which
walling (1) is built. They are put in every 6 to 10
yards, according to the nature of the measures being
sunk through.
WALLING STAGE. A movable wooden scaffold sus-
pended from a crab on the surface, upon which the
workmen stand when walling (1) and tubbing are being
put in, in a shaft.
WALLOW (M.). See Stowses.
WALL PLATE (Pa.). Strong timbers or buntons
wedged firmly back against the strata, and forming a
kind of walling (1) of a pit-snaft.
WALLS (S.). Short working faces or stalls (also
headings 6ft. in width) from 12 to 20 yards wide.
WALLSENDS or WALLSEND COALS (N., Y.). Strictly
speaking, an excellent description of household coal
originally produced at a colliery near Newcastle-upon-
Tyne, near to the eastern termination of the great
Koinan wall, and near the sea. Many first-class house
coals are now termed Wallsends, though they have no
connection with the place of that name.
WANT (S.). A clean rent or fissure in strata unac-
companied by dislocation.
WAPPING (Lei.). A roughly-made rope or band of
hemp or spun yarn.
WAEGUES (F.). See Horse-gin and Gin.
T 2
276 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
WARK-BATCH (Som.). See Spoil-lank.
WARNERS. Apparatus consisting of a variety of
delicately-constructed machines actuated by chemical,
physical, electrical, and mechanical properties, for in-
dicating the presence of small quantities of fire-damp,
heat, &c., in mines; At present most of these ingenious
contrivances are more suited to the laboratory than for
practical application underground.
WARNING LAMP. A safety lamp fitted with certain
delicate apparatus for indicating very small proportions
of fire-damp in the atmosphere of a mine. As small a
quantity as 0'03 per cent, can be by this means
determined.
WARP (Y.). Blueish-brown, finely-laminated tough
clay with pebbles.
WARRANT (L.). Synonymous with Glunch, Pounson,
&c.
WARREN or WARREN EARTH (L.). See Bind,
Glunch, &G.
WASH (N.). Drift, clay, stones, &c. Probably
ancient river courses or glacier grooves which have
furrowed and scooped out the surface in past ages. See
Hopes.
WASH FAULT. A portion of a seam of coal replaced
by shale or sandstone. See Fault, Fig. 70 (2) ; also see
Low (2).
WASHING APPARATUS OR MACHINE. Machinery
and appliances erected on the surface at a colliery,
generally in connection with coke ovens, for extracting,
by washing with water, the impurities mixed with the
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
277
coal-dust or small slack. The principle upon which the
process is performed is that of gravitation or pre-
cipitation.
A common form of washing apparatus consists of a
series of long, gently-sloping wooden troughs or open-
topped, flat-bottomed pipes, with appliances for col-
lecting the washed coalv Streams of water are caused
to flow along these troughs, carrying with them the
coal-dust, which parts with its impurities (stone, shale,
Fig. 134.
&c.), as they soon fall by reason of their greater specific
gravity, and the coal passes off into settling-tanks, the
water if necessary being pumped back and used over and
over again.
Another form of machine, which is much more com-
pact, consists of a brick hopper, constructed below the
surface level, into which wagons discharge the coal to
be washed. An endless chain of buckets, actuated by
278 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
an engine, raises the stuff and empties it into iron
tanks, wherein the process of cleaning is performed.
Out of these a second endless chain of buckets raises
the washed and semi-dried coal and tips it over and
down a shoot into wagons for removal to coke ovens,
a third series of buckets disposing of the washed-out
rubbish from the base of the thanks into trams or tubs
for removal to spoil-bank. (See Fig. 134). See Wet
Separation.
WASTE. 1. A more or less empty space between two
packs. See Goaf.
2. (N.) Very small coal or slack.
3. (N.) A Return Air-way.
WASTE COAL. Coal obtained from out of a
waste (1).
WASTEMAN (M.). One who looks after and keeps
clean the airways of a mine, and keeps the wax
dams in proper condition. He is generally an oldish
collier who has had much experience.
WATCHERS (Lei.). Experienced colliers — butties —
who take it in turns to go down the pit and examine
the whole of the workings along with a deputy every
Sunday.
WATER. Next to fire-damp, this is the most trouble-
some and dangerous element met with in mines. It
may, nevertheless, under favourable conditions, be
turned to great use in assisting to drain those portions
of the workings which are situated to the dip of the
shafts or adits, through the medium. of the hydraulic
pumping-engine and the siphon.
Below a depth of from (say) 900 to 1200 feet it is
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 279
seldom found in any quantity, but salt water has been
met with at 2790 feet below the surface in a coal-pit.
The largest and strongest springs and feeders occur
within a few hundred feet of the surface, and as many
as 12,000 gallons per minute have had to be contended
with in sinking shafts in the county of Durham.
Brine is occasionally present in coal seams : e. g. at
Moira, in Leicestershire, the water pumped from 730
feet in depth out of the " main " coal seam contains no
less than 3700 grains of chloride of sodium per gallon.
In order to keep water out of pit-shafts, several methods
of lining them are adopted, viz. Tubbing, Coffering,
Kind-Chaudron system of sinking, and pumping ; and to
exclude it from the underground workings and passages
a system of Pillar and Stall working (which allows a
portion of the coal to be extracted, and preserves the
roof intact, and gives rise to no weighting or subsidence
of the cover containing the water) must either be fol-
lowed, or it must be raised by pumps or in tanks, or
passed off by adits.
WATER-BALANCE MACHINE (S.W.). An antiquated
method of raising minerals in a pit-shaft by water
power. The principle of the apparatus consists in a
bucket of water, which was filled at the surface, and by
its descent raised a tram of 20 cwt. or so of coal, the
water being run off at the pit bottom each run or
wind (3).
WATER BARREL. 1. A wrought-iron tank or cistern
in which the water is raised from the sump or from a
lodge in the side of the shaft by the winding engine.
2. An iron or wooden tank or box mounted upon
280 A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
four wheels, running on the underground tramways, and
hauled either by engine power or by horses to the
shaft bottom, where the water is discharged into the
sump.
WATER BLAST. The sudden escape of pent-up air in
rise workings under considerable pressure from a head
of water which has accumulated in the lower
workings.
WATER CARTRIDGE. Cartridges of explosive sub-
stances for blasting down coal in the workings. The
case containing the powder, tonite, &c., is surrounded
by an outer one of water, which is employed to destroy
the flame produced when the shot is fired, thereby les-
sening the chance of an explosion should gas be present
in the place (I).
WATER CURB. See Garland (1).
WATERED. Containing much water — full of springs
or feeders : e. g. heavily watered mines, heavily watered
measures, &c.
WATER ENGINE (D.). A pumping-engine.
WATER GAUGE. An instrument for measuring the
draff or friction of air in mines. It generally consists
of a glass tube, bent into the form of the letter U, with
a scale of inches and parts, by which the difference
between the height of the water in one tube and that in
the other is measured, this difference being due to the
difference of pressure of the air in the intake and
return.
WATER HAMMER. The hammering noise caused by
the intermittent escape of gas through water in mines.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 281
WATER LEAF (S.). See Top ply.
WATER LEVEL. An underground passage or head (1)
driven very nearly dead-level or on the strike (1), for the
purpose of draining off the water.
WATER LOAD (S. W.). The head, or pressure per
square inch, of a column of water in pumps, &c.
WATER LODGE. See Lodge.
WATER-PACKER (Pa.). A kind of cup-leather ar-
rangement fitted to the tubing of a borehole (1) in
watery ground, to keep back the water.
WAX (Lei.). Soft or puddled clay used for dams (I)
or stoppings, and in which the colliers stick and carry
about their candles in the mine.
WAX DAM (Lei.). A wall or dam (1) of clay.
WAXING (Lei.). The operation of plastering a waste
stack with wax. See Stack out.
WAX WALL (Lei.). A clay wall about ten inches in
thickness built up from floor to roof alongside a gob
road a few feet within the goaf, to keep back or prevent
fire-stinks, &c.
WAY. 1. (N. M.) Any underground passage or
heading driven more or less on the level of the coal,
along which the produce of the mine is conveyed either
by horses or by engine power. See Gate, Road (1),
Wagon-way.
2. The rails, sleepers, chairs, keys, &c., upon which
tubs or corves run.
WAY DIRT (Lei.). The slack, dust (2), and odd
lumps of coal which fall from the tubs upon the roads
on their journey from the working places to the shafts.
282 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
It is collected during the night and sent to lank (1),
and consumed under the boilers.
WAY END. See' Gate End. In long-wall workings
the colliers generally keep a supply of prop-wood, a tool
and candle box, and other requisites for carrying on
their work, and generally take their bait or snap just
within the way end.
WAY GATE. See Gate.
WAY HEAD (M.). The end of a way or gate next to
the face.
WAY LEAVE. 1. A rent or royalty paid by the
owner or lessee of a mine for conveying minerals belong-
ing to one person through the property of another
person. It is usually fixed at so much per ton, but
sometimes, though rarely, depending upon distance
conveyed underground and up the shafts.
2. (N.) The right of making and maintaining
colliery railways through private property which may
intervene between collieries and staithes.
WEATHER. To fall or crumble down by exposure to
the atmosphere. Certain rocks of the coal measures,
such as fireclay, bind, &c.,
weather very rapidly. Fi§- 135<
WEB (M.). The face
(1) or wall of a long -wall
stall in course of being
holed and broken down „:
for removal. The web
varies in thickness (ac-
cording to the height of the seam) from 2 or 3 to
7 feet. Fig. 135 shows a cross-section of a long-
USED IN COAT. MINING, ETC. 283
wall stall with a web of coals after drawing (2) the
timber.
WEDDING (D.). The accidental meeting or collision
between a loaded and an empty corf in a pit-shaft
working swinging bont. Formerly it was not an un-
common thing for the full corf or skip to come up to
surface with the empty corf entangled with it.
WEDGING CRIB. A curb or crib of cast iron upon
which tubbing is built up and wedged tightly to, in order
to stop back all water. Wedging cribs are usually about
6 inches thick (though cast hollow), and from 14 to 24
inches broad. More than one are sometimes put in,
one on the top of another. See Fig. 136.
Fig. 136.
TiMing . .
Wedging Crib . ,
Wedging Crib . .
Walling .. .,
WEDGINTG DOWN. Breaking down the coal at the
face (1) with hammers and wedges instead of by
blasting.
WEDGING OUT. Cropping or thinning out. See
Fig. 70 (7).
WEDGE KING. See Wedging Crib.
WEELDBONS (F. D.). Ancient ironstone workings.
WEEP. See Bleed.
WEIGH (S. W.). A weight of 10 tons of coal, &c.
WEIGHER. A man who takes account of the weight
284 A GLOSSARY OF TEEMS
of the contents of every tub, or of a certain proportion
of the tubs of coal, &c., as they leave the cage at lank
(1), or who weighs the coal, &c., in railway wagons,
carts, boats, &c.
WEIGHING. The crushing or falling in of the roof
more or less rapidly.
WEIGHMAN. See Weigher.
WEIGHT. 1. A settling or subsidence of the roof,
due to the working away of the coal seam. Weights
are commonly of very heavy nature, and make great
havoc with the pit-props and with the stalls.
2. The gradual and regular settlement of the roof
and cover, taking place as the excavation of the seam of
coal, &c., goes forward, which by proper management
in the working of the coal, and attention to the goaf,
may generally be utilised in assisting in breaking down
the coal in long-wall faces ; in other words, the weight
enables the coal when holed, to get itself. When, in the
course of clearing out a considerable area of a seam of
coal, &c., and leaving no posts or pillars of solid coal to
support the roof, in commencing to open off workings, a
weight (1) takes place. Such weight is called the first
weight, because it is the first crushing down of the roof,
&c., of any magnitude that has occurred since begin-
ning to form a goaf. With first-weights generally
comes much firedamp, as well as much difficulty in
keeping the working places safe to work in, owing to
falls. See Web, Fig. 135, showing the serviceable
action of weight upon a long -wall working face.
3. The number of hundredweights (cwts.) which are
reckoned as one ton, as between coal-masters and
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 285
workmen (hewers, trammers, lanksmen, &c.). In days
gone by, as many as 25 to 30 cwt. were allowed to the
ton, to compensate for dirt, &c., sent out of the pit
along with the coal. This was called a long ton.
WEIGHTING. Undergoing disturbance due to weight
(1). Commonly known as being on the weight.
WEIZE. A band or ring of spun yarn, rope, gutta-
percha, lead, &c., put in between the flanges of pipes
before bolting them together, in order to make a water-
tight joint.
WET SEPARATION. The various systems of cleaning
coal at surface by washing, the principle of them con-
sisting in that the various fragments of shale or dirt (1)
are, by reason of their specific gravity, effectually
separated from the coal.
WETTERAUFSEHER (Pr.). A man set aside for the
special purpose of attending to the ventilation. He
carefully examines the mine before the other workmen
enter, and reports himself to the steiger.
WETTERMAN (Pr.). A trustworthy collier (1), who is
head man in a stall or other working place.
WETTER SOHLE (Pr.). See Air Level.
WEY. A certain weight of coals upon which a
royalty is paid : e. g. 10 tons at Is. per ton.
WHEEL BRAE (S.). A flat or landing on the top of a
&•
WHEEL-HOUSE (B.). A shed for protecting the horse-
gin on the surface.
WHIM. A winding (1) drum, &c., worked by a horse.
286 A GLOSSARY OP TERMS
WHIMS EY. An old word for the hoisting apparatus
at a mine, now known as the winding engine, which
see.
WHIN. 1. A very hard, compact, dark-coloured,
intrusive, igneous rock, composed of about 50 per cent,
of silica, and having a sp. gr. of about 3, with a dull
conchoidal fracture.
2. (S. N.) Any very hard resisting rock coming in
the way of miners.
WHIN DYKE. A fault or fissure filled with whin and
the debris of other rocks, sometimes accompanied by a
dislocation of the strata. The Cockfield Fell Whin Dyke
is probably the largest in Great Britain. It runs in
almost a straight line, from near Carlisle on the west, to
the east coas.t a few miles south of Whitby in Yorkshire.
Whin dykes attain a thickness of as much as 200 feet
in some places. See also Dyke, Trap.
WHIN-FLOAT (S.). A kind of greenstone, basalt, or
trap, occurring in coal measures.
WHIN GAW (S.). Synonymous with Whin Dyke.
WHINSTONE (N.). See Whin (1 and 2).
WHIPSY-DERRY. See Derrick.
WHITE-DAMP. Carbonic oxide (0. 57 C. 43). A gas
occasionally met with in coal-mines, which, although it
will support combustion and is inflammable, quickly
destroys life.
WHITE EOCK (S. S.). Intrusive dykes of Doleritic
rocks in the coal measures : in external appearance it
closely resembles sandstone.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 287
WHOLE or WHOLE MINE (N.). That portion of a
coal seam being worked by driving headings into it
only, or the state of the mine before bringing lack the
pillars, or what is called working the broken, com-
mences. See Barrier System (Fig. 10) ; also see First
Working.
WHOLE CRADLE (N.). A platform or scaffold of
nearly the same diameter as the pit-shaft, and hung
upon chains attached to a crab-rope from the surface.
WHOLE FLAT (N.). A panel or district of whole.
WHOLE STALLS (S. W.). Two or more stalls having
their faces in line or on a thread with one another.
WHURR. The buzzing noise made by the vanes of a
fan.
WICHET (N. W.). A working place in the shape of
a wide heading or board (1), sometimes 60 or 70 feet in
width.
WICKET (N. W.). See Wichet.
WICKET WORK (N. W.). A kind of pillar and stall
system of working a seam of coal, with pillars up to
15 yards and stalls up to 24 yards wide. A plan (2) of
this description of workings would much resemble
Fig. 113 (see Single Eoad Stall), the chief difference"
being that two roadways are generally carried up each
wicket.
WIDE WORK (Y.). A South Yorkshire system (now
nearly obsolete) of working coal. Sets of short stalls or
banks (4), 7 or 8 yards in width, forming a line of faces
about 60 yards, were carried to the rise, about 3 or 4
288
A GLOSSAEY OF TERMS
feet of coal being left between each lank, the main
road pillars being subsequently extracted. See Plan,
Fig. 137.
Fig. 137.
WILD-FIRE. An old term used by colliers for fire-
damp.
WILD GROUND, WILD MEASURES, WILD STUFF (S.S.,
SL).
WIMBLE (N.). A kind of auger and scoop combined,
for extracting the debris from lore-holes (1).
WIN. 1. To sink a shaft or drive a drift to a work-
able seam of coal, ironstone, &c., in such a manner as to
enable you to effectually prosecute the working of it ;
or for the purpose of opening out a district in a mine,
which, previously to winning the mineral, was cut off by
a fault or by some other barrier.
2. (S.) Won, found, proved, (I) tapped, (2) sunk
to, &c.
WINCH. A kind of windlass or crab for coiling ropes
upon.
WIND. 1. A hand- windlass or jack-roll.
2. The atmospheric air circulating in a mine.
3. To raise coals, &c., by means of a winding-engine.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 289
4. A steam-engine used purposely for lowering and
raising men in an engine pit or pumping-shaft.
5. A single journey of a cage from top to bottom of a
shaft, or vice versa.
WINDBORE. See Sliding Windbore, but made with-
out the inner telescopic arrangement.
WIND-GAUGE. An anemometer for testing the velocity
of the wind (2) in mines.
WINDING. 1. The operation of raising by means of
a steam-engine, with ropes and cages, the produce of the
mine.
2. (M.) Any underground road used expressly for
ventilating purposes.
WINDING ENGINE. The apparatus fixed within a
few yards of the mouth of a shaft for raising the
minerals from the bottom, or from various levels, to pit
top. It usually takes the form of a steam-engine, which
first came into use for this purpose about the year 1763
at Hartley Colliery.
The modern winding engine consists of a pair of
steam cylinders of equal diameter and stroke, placed
either vertically or horizontal, the connecting rods
being coupled direct through cranks at right angles to
the main shaft, upon which the drum (1) is constructed,
and which also carries the brake rim.
The following table gives the principal dimensions,
particulars of work performed by, and other statistics
in connection with a few of the most powerful winding
appliances in the world : —
290
A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
w
Is
d
•§
%
§
o
o
lO
CO
O
OQ
fi
W
& t> t>
OS
CD
*o
^
P
K
* ir
J8
cv.
» 0 0
r>
.
«x.
§
I'"
£ ^ CO
CO
7
CM
*
c^
B
11
If
1 + 8
c*
+
<M
S
•f
;
1
ir
"S u
O
O
fl3 r^
S 10
o
1T^
O
>o
o
^
5
«(
5°
« CO
CO
05
CO
1
^fl
1
li
1
{ 0. 10
(M
T-4
CO
CO
00
«
o
li
0 >>
SI
a
0^>
I
§ *> CO
•>
CO
OS
t*'
r*<
CD
9M
S
1
•£ o o
goo
o
CM
t>.
CO
CO
Oi
CM
S
||
11
£
Pt
^
"S ^
jjj s
p
.
CO
s 1 ^
"" Tjl 1O
O
X
HN
X
i
Mta
=«r
1$
•
Si
CO
OS
00
o
0
(N
<M
§
A
a
1
<N 00
tl
CO
1— 1
s
(M
(M
0
2
CO
i
>
i
1 :
s,
:
&
g
:
e
S
*§ 1
8
2
03
O
2
2'
|
§
CO
^ d
o a
1
%-
d
^3
3
S
i
•'
.
CM
*i
i
5
1
M
.2 «> t-
CO
xo
CO
^
0
*
0
i
">>
=5
g 0 <*
(M
CO
00
CO
TH
_
s
£ m.
•<
f)
"^
CO
•*
CO
•«*
00
2
O ^
p.,
^ ^
&
t!
5
o
%
o5
3
o y a!
3
fl
1
N
3
hn
's 2
cj d
1
1
3
G> O
!!
H
3
i I-
w b^
o
w
1
§
11
1
S
S.S
o °
§2
il
S
*
'~AT'^VT
•73
.— *—
^.-~*—~
>^-^_ s
'"*"?
-*->
^•°
o 3
cc 5
8
g ! « '
c3
^2
S 0
-S .s
s
1
tf
s :^
— 0)
If!
e
I i
O
S
aT
£S
II
CO
S
w" S S
s s
^ s
^ Tl
^ ?.
>• S
5"=
c'£
5
s
me and
i
i
IK
II
^
II
|l
JQ
Id
^ 'bic
» eg
^*fe
li
2^
^c p
|
£
zL-ZL--
_q
co
x~-v—
5^_,
CO
^v— '
0
i
* +-
•M-
<rr>
^=
*
-J—
^
i
t~t n
CO
•^
0
CO
l>
oo
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 291
Most large winding engines are fitted with steam
brakes, some also with steam or hydraulic reversing
gear, and with automatic cut-off or steam regulating
gear. See Water Balance, Koepe System, Drum (1),
Conical Drum.
WINDING ROPES. The ropes by which a cage, chair,
bowk, kibble, trunk (3), &c., are raised and lowered in a
pit-shaft. They are constructed of three different
materials, viz. steel, iron, and hemp or manilla, and in
two forms — round and flat. The former are sometimes
made taper when of great length, the thicker end being
of course that nearest or fastened to the drum (1).
The best quality of steel-wire rope, known as plough
quality, costs about 5?. per cwt. Referring to the table
of winding engine^ above, it will be seen that in Nos. 4
and 7 instances the weight of the winding rope is in
excess of the load (cage, tubs, and mineral) raised.
WINDING SHAFT OR PIT. The pit-shaft used chiefly
for winding (1) purposes.
WIND METHOD. That system of separating coal into
various sizes, and extracting the dirt (1) from it, which
in principle depends upon the specific gravity or size
of the coal, &c., and the strength of the current of air
directed upon it, which is employed to effect such
separation.
WIND ROAD. See Winding (2).
WIND WAY. See Winding (2).
WING-BORE (S.). A side or flank lore-hole (3).
WINNING. A sinking pit, a new coal, ironstone, clay,
shale, or other mine of stratified minerals.
292
A GLOSSAKY OF TEEMS
WINNING HEADWAYS (N.). Heads (1) driven in the
coal seam at right angles to drifts (4).
WIKE (W.). A hauling rope.
WISKET (L.). A light basket, weighing about 25 Ibs.,
used for carrying coals, &c., up a shaft.
WITCHET (N. W.). See Wichet.
WON. In mining language means proved, sunk to,
and tested. Coal is won when it is proved and a
position attained so that it can be worked and conveyed
to bank (1). Coal may be won either by levels, by
drifts, by headings to the rise, or by headings to the deep.
WOOD. Signifies pit-props, bars, sprags, chocks,
lagging, &c., which are all used in various ways for
supporting the roof and sides of underground workings
and ways. The cost of wooding or timbering in a col-
liery ranges from say 2d. to I0d. or Is. per ton, according
as the roof is a good or a bad one.
The most suitable kinds of wood for mining purposes
are : —
For props, yellow or Norway pine.
„ bars, larch, ash, elm, and fir.
„ sprags, ash and fir.
„ chocks, any hard and tough wood.
„ lagging, any tough and durable
odds and ends.
WOOD CHAIN (S. S.). A chain used
for raising the minerals up the pit-shaft,
composed of five links of iron in width,
with small blocks of wood filling up the spaces in the
links. See sketch, Fig. 138.
WOOD COAL. See Board Coal.
Fig. 138.
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 293
WOODERS (Y.). See Timber ers.
WOOD EINGER. See Einger and Dog and Chain.
WORK (3L). 1. A stall or working place.
2. Meaning get (2), in the sense of whether a coal
gets or works easily or with difficulty.
3. When during the operation of holing or cutting
coal a crackling or bursting sound is caused, the coal is
said to work Also when the roof shows signs of giving
way, and cracks with a noise, it is said to work.
4. To carry on the various operations connected with
the mining of coal, &c.
5. To get, cut away, or excavate and remove any
bed or seam, or part thereof, of coal, ironstone, or
other mine, whether underground or in open work.
6. (S. S.) A side of work.
WORKABLE. 1. A seam of coal is generally called a
workable coal when (if of good quality) its thickness
exceeds 18 or 20 inches. It may perhaps also be said
that all mines of coal, &c., to a depth of 4000 feet, are
workable.
2. Any seam or rake of ironstone that can be profit-
ably mined.
WORK Box (Lei.). See Box.
WORKED OUT. A bed of coal, &c., a pit, or a lift
(10), is called worked out when all the available mineral
has been extracted.
WORKING BARREL. The pump tree or cylinder in
which the 'bucket moves up and down. It is usual to
make it a little less in diameter than the ordinary pipes
or trees (1). It is bored out in a lathe, and if the water
294 A GLOSSARY OF TERMS
to be pumped is very corrosive or ochrey, is lined with
brass.
WORKING BEAM. See Brake-staff.
WORKING COST. The cost per ton of producing
coal, &c., and loading it into wagons, boats, &c. It
includes all expenses in getting, haulage, "banking, sur-
face labour, management, sales, timber, stores, royalties,
way leaves, rates and taxes, insurance, colliery consump-
tion, bad debts, loss in wagons and stocks, repairs, &c.,
interest on capital, replacement of machinery, &e.
WORKING FACE. See Face (1).
WORKING FURNACE. A furnace supplied with
fresh air from the downcast pit.
WORKING HOME. Getting or working out a seam
of coal, &c., from the boundary or far end of the pit (2)
towards the pit bottom, thus leaving behind all goaves,
fire-stinks, &c.
WORKING ON AIR. When the holes in a snore-piece
are not completely covered with water, and air is
sucked up with the water, the pumps are said to be
working on air.
WORKING PLACE. The actual place in a mine at
which the working of the coal, &c. [either by driving
headings or by stall work], is going on : viz. a head end
or at a working face.
WORKING OUT. Getting coal, &c., from the shafts
outwards, or in the direction of the boundaiy of the
colliery. The opposite to working home.
WORKINGS. 1. The portions of a seam of coal, &c.
worked away, which, of course, includes all roads, ways,
USED IN COAL MINING, ETC. 295
levels, dips, airways, &c., whether in use or not, together
with the stalls, headings, goaves, staples, &c. The
deepest coal workings in existence are said to be 3511
feet — at Gilly Colliery, in Belgium.
2. The quantity, tonnage, or output of minerals
during a certain period from a certain lease, or a
district in a pit. See Get (2).
WORM or WORM COIL. A tool, something similar
to a wad hook, used for loosening tough clays at the
bottom of lore-holes (2). See Wad Coil .
WREATHS (Lei). Four short pieces of hemp rope
placed round the legs of a horse or pony and fastened
together above its back, by which it was formerly
lowered into or brought up out of a pit-shaft.
WRECK. See Bore-meal.
WRENCH. See Key.
WROUGHT. Coal, &c., worked or gotten.
WYE (C.). The beam-end connection above the
pump-rods of a winding and pumping engine.
Y.
YARDAGE. Cutting coal, &c., by the yard or fathom.
In many districts a price per ton on the coals is paid,
in addition to so much per yard.
YARD-STICK. An ash walking-stick, 3 feet in length
(having a notch or other mark put upon it at every
foot), which a manager or underviewer carries with
him in the pit, with which he roughly measures any
lengths of work done and other distances whenever
296 TERMS USED IN COAL MINING, ETC.
occasion arises, and with which he chastises unruly
lads.
YARD WORK (F. D.). Synonymous with yardage.
YARK (D.). To jerk a rope or other appliance used
for lifting or drawing.
YED (Lei.). See Head (1).
YIELD. 1. Pillars of coal are said to yield when
they commence to give way or crush.
2. The proportion of a coal seam, &c., actually sent
to lank (1). '
YOKES. Short sawn timbers placed across Hats for
steadying pump trees. See Chogs, Fig. 40.
Z.
ZONE. In coal-mining phraseology, this word
signifies a certain series of coal seams, with their accom-
panying shales, &c., which contain, for example, much
fire-damp, called a fiery zone, or, if much water, a watery
zone. As a rule, the fiery zone begins immediately
below the upper or water-zone, which does not usually
descend below (say) 600 feet.
LONDON : PRINTED BY WILLIAM CLOWES AND SONS, LIMITED, STAMFORD STB BET
AND CHARING CROSS.
BOOKS RELATING,
TO
APPLIED SCIENCE
PUBLISHED BY
E. & F. N. SPON,
LONDON : 16, CHARING CROSS.
NEW YORK : 35, MURRAY STREET.
A Pocket- Bo ok for Chemists, Chemical Mamtfacturers,
Metallurgists, Dyers, Distillers, Brewers, Sugar Refiners, Photographers,
Stiidents, etc., etc. By THOMAS BAYLEY, Assoc. R.C. Sc. Ireland, Ana-
lytical and Consulting Chemist and Assayer. Second edition, with
additions, 437 pp., royal 32mo, roan, gilt edges, 5-r.
SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS :
Atomic Weights and Factors — Useful Data — Chemical Calculations — Rules for .Indirect
Analysis — Weights and Measures — Thermometers and Barometers — Chemical Physics —
Boiling Points, etc. — Solubility of Substances — Methods of Obtaining Specific Gravity — Con-
version of Hydrometers — Strength of Solutions by Specific Gravity — Analysis — Gas Analysis—
Water Analysis — Qualitative Analysis and Reactions — Volumetric Analysis — Manipulation —
Mineralogy — Assaying — Alcohol — Beer — Sugar — Miscellaneous Technological matter
relating to Potash, Soda, Sulphuric Acid, Chlorine, Tar Products, Petroleum, Milk, Tallow,
Photography, Prices, Wages, Appendix, etc., etc.
The Mechanician : A Treatise on the Construction
and Manipulation of Tools, for the use and instruction of Young Engineers
and Scientific Amateurs, comprising the Arts of Blacksmithing and Forg-
ing ; the Construction and Manufacture of Hand Tools, and the various
Methods of Using and Grinding them ; the Construction of Machine Tools,
and how to work them ; Machine Fitting and Erection ; description of
Hand and Machine Processes ; Turning and Screw Cutting ; principles of
Constructing and details of Making and Erecting Steam Engines, and the
various details of setting out work, etc., etc. By CAMERON KNIGHT,
Engineer. Containing 1147 illustrations, and 397 pages of letter-press.
Third edition, 4to, cloth, iSs.
B
CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
On Designing Belt Gearing. By E. J. COWLING
WELCH, Mem. Inst. Mech. Engineers, Author of 'Designing Valve
Gearing.' Fcap. 8vo, sewed, 6d.
A Handbook of Formula, Tables, and Memoranda,
for Architectural Surveyors and others engaged in Building. By J. T.
HURST, C.E. Thirteenth edition, royal 321110, roan, $s.
" It is no disparagement to the many excellent publications we refer to, to say that in our
opinion this little pocket-book of Hurst's is the very best of them all, -without any exception.
It would be useless to attempt a recapitulation of the contents, for it appears to contain almost
everything that anyone connected with building could require, and, best of all, made up in a
compact form for carrying in the pocket, measuring only 5 in. by 3 in., and about $ in. thick,
in a limp cover. We congratulate the author on the success of his laborious and practically
compiled little book, which has received unqualified and deserved praise from every profes-
sional person to whom we have shown it." — The Dublin Builder.
The Cabinet Maker ; being a Collection of the most
approved designs in the Mediaeval, Louis- Seize, and Old English styles,
for the use of Cabinet Makers, Carvers, &c. By R. CHARLES. 96 plates,
folio, half-bound, icw. 6d.
Quantity Surveying.. By J. LEANING. With 42 illus-
trations, crown 8vo, cloth, gs.
CONTENTS :
A complete Explanation of the London
Practice.
General Instructions.
Order of Taking Off.
Modes of Measurement of the various Trades.
Use and Waste.
Ventilation and Warming.
Credits, with various Examples of Treatment.
Abbreviations.
Squaring the Dimensions.
Abstracting, with Examples in illustration of
each Trade.
Billing.
Examples of Preambles to each Trade.
Form for a Bill of Quantities.
Do. Bill of Credits.
Do. Bill for Alternative Estimate.
Restorations and Repairs, and Form of Bill.
Variations before Acceptance of Tender.
Errors in a Builder's Estimate.
Schedule of Prices.
Form of Schedule of Prices.
Analysis of Schedule of Prices.
Adjustment of Accounts.
Form of a Bill of Variations.
Remarks on Specifications.
Prices and Valuation of Work, with
Examples and Remarks upon each Trade.
The Law as it affects Quantity Surveyors,
with Law Reports.
Taking Off after the Old Method.
Northern Practice.
The General Statement of the Methods
recommended by the Manchester Society
of Architects for taking Quantities.
Examples of Collections.
Examples of " Taking Off" in each Trade.
Remarks on the Past and Present Methods
of Estimating.
A Practical Treatise on Heat, as applied to the
Useful Arts] for the Use of Engineers, Architects, &c. By THOMAS
Box. With 14 plates. Third edition, crown 8vo, cloth, I2s. 6d.
A Descriptive Treatise on Mathematical Drawing
Instruments: their construction, uses, qualities, selection, preservation,
and suggestions for improvements, with hints upon Drawing and Colour-
ing. By W. F. STANLEY, M.R.I. Fifth edition, with numerous illustrations,
crown 8vo, cloth, $s.
PUBLISHED BY E. & F. N. SPON.
Spons Architects and Builders Pocket-Book of Prices
and Memoranda. Edited by W. YOUNG, Architect. Royal 32mo, roan,
4*. 6d. ; or cloth, red edges, 3^. 6</. Published annually. Tenth edition.
Now ready.
Long-Span Railway Bridges, comprising Investiga-
tions of the Comparative Theoretical and Practical Advantages of the
various adopted or proposed Type Systems of Construction, with numerous
Formulae and Tables giving the weight of Iron or Steel required in
Bridges from 300 feet to the limiting Spans ; to which are added similar
Investigations and Tables relating to Short-span Railway Bridges. Second
and revised edition. By B. BAKER, Assoc. Inst. C.E. Plates , crown 8vo,
cloth, 5J.
Elementary Theory and Calculation of Iron Bridges
and Roofs. By AUGUST RITTER, Ph.D., Professor at the Polytechnic
School at Aix-la-Chapelle. Translated from the third German edition,
by H. R. SANKEY, Capt. R.E. With 500 illustrations, 8vo, cloth, \$s.
The Builder s Clerk : a Guide to the Management
of a Builder's Business. By THOMAS BALES. Fcap. 8vo, cloth, u. 6d.
The Elementary Principles of Carpentry. By
THOMAS TREDGOLD. Revised from the original edition, and partly
re-written, by JOHN THOMAS HURST. Contained in 517 pages of letter-
press, and illustrated with 48 plates and 150 wood engravings. Third
edition, crown 8vo, cloth, i8j.
Section I. On the Equality and Distribution of Forces — Section II. Resistance of
Timber — Section III. Construction of Floors — Section IV. Construction of Roofs — Sec-
tion V. Construction of Domes and Cupolas — Section VI. Construction of Partitions —
Section VII. Scaffolds, Staging, and Gantries — Section VIII. Construction of Centres for
Bridges — Section IX. Coffer-dams, Shoring, and Strutting — Section X. Wooden Bridges
and Viaducts — Section XI. Joints, Straps, and other Fastenings — Section XII. Timber.
Our Factories, Workshops, and Warehoiises : their
Sanitary and Fire-Resisting Arrangements. By B. H. THWAITE, Assoc.
Mem. Inst. C.E. With 183 wood engravings, crown 8vo, cloth, gs.
Gold : Its Occurrence and Extraction, embracing the
Geographical and Geological Distribution and the Mineralogical Charac-
ters of Gold-bearing rocks ; the peculiar features and modes of working
Shallow Placers, Rivers, and Deep Leads ; Hydraulicing ; the Reduction
and Separation of Auriferous Quartz ; the treatment of complex Auriferous
ores containing other metals ; a Bibliography of the subject and a Glossary
of Technical and Foreign Terms. By ALFRED G. LOCK, F.R.G.S. With
numerous illustrations and maps, 1250 pp., super-royal 8vo, cloth,
2/. I2J. 6d.
B 2
CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
Progressive Lessons in Applied Science. By EDWARD
SANG, F.R.S.E. Crown 8vo, cloth, each Part, 3^.
Part i. Geometry on Paper — Part 2. Solidity, Weight, and Pressure — Part 3. Trigono-
metry, Vision, and Surveying Instruments.
A Practical Treatise on Coal Mining. By GEORGE
G. ANDRE, F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E., Member of the Society of Engineers.
With 82 lithographic plates. 2 vols., royal 4to, cloth, 3/. I2s.
Sugar Growing and Refining: a Comprehensive
Treatise on the Culture of Sugar-yielding Plants, and the Manufacture,
Refining, and Analysis of Cane, Beet, Maple, Milk, Palm, Sorghum,
and Starch Sugars, with copious statistics of their production and com-
merce, and a chapter on the distillation of Rum. By CHARLES G.
WARNFORD LOCK, F.L.S., £c., and G. W. WIGNER and R. H. HARLAND,
FF.C.S., FF.I.C. With 205 illustrations, 8vo, cloth, 30?.
Spons"1 Information for Colonial Engineers. Edited
by J. T. HURST. Demy Svo, sewed.
No. i, Ceylon. By ABRAHAM DEANE, C.E. 2s. 6d.
CONTENTS :
Introductory Remarks — Natural Productions — Architecture and Engineering — Topo-
graphy, Trade, and Natural History— Principal Stations— Weights and Measures, etc., etc.
No. 2. Southern Africa, including the Cape Colony, Natal, and the
Dutch Republics. By HENRY HALL, F.R.G.S., F.R.C.I. With
Map. 3-r. 6d.
CONTENTS :
General
Operatior
Public Works in Cape Colony : "Railways, Mountain Roads and Passes, Harbour Works,"
Bridges, Gas Works, Irrigation and Water Supply, Lighthouses, Drainage and Sanitary
Engineering, Public Buildings, Mines— Table of Woods in South Africa— Animals used for
Draught Purposes — Statistical Notes — Table of Distances — Rates of Carriage, etc.
No. 3. India. By F. C. DANVERS, Assoc. Inst. C.E. With Map. qs.6d.
CONTENTS :
Physical Geography of India — Building Materials — Roads — Railways — Bridges — Irriga-
tion— River Works — Harbours — Lighthouse Buildings — Native Labour — The Principal
Trees of India — Money — Weights and Measures— Glossary of Indian Terms, etc.
A Practical Treatise on Casting and Founding,
including descriptions of the modern machinery employed in the art. By
N. E. SPRETSON, Engineer. Third edition, with 82 plates drawn to
scale, 412 pp., demy Svo, cloth, iSs.
PUBLISHED BY E. & F. N. SPON.
The Clerk of Works: a Vade-Mecum for all engaged
in the Superintendence of Building Operations. By G. G. HOSKINS,
F.R.I.B.A. Third edition, fcap. 8vo, cloth, is. 6d.
Tropical Agriculture; or, the Culture, Preparation,
Commerce, and Consumption of the Principal Products of the Vegetable
Kingdom, as furnishing Food, Clothing, Medicine, etc., 'and in their
relation to the Arts and Manufactures ; forming a practical treatise and
Handbook of Reference for the Colonist, Manufacturer, Merchant, and
Consumer, on the Cultivation, Preparation for Shipment, and Commercial
Value, etc., of the various Substances obtained from Trees and Plants
entering into the Husbandry of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Regions. By
P. L. SIMMONDS. Second edition, revised and improved, 515 pages,
Svo, cloth, i/. u.
Steel: its History, Manufacture, and Uses. By
J. S. JEANS, Secretary of the Iron and Steel Institute. 860 pages and
24 plates i Svo, cloth, 36^.
American Foundry Practice: Treating of Loam,
Dry Sand, and Green Sand Moulding, and containing a Practical Treatise
upon the Management of Cupolas, and the Melting of Iron. By T. D.
WEST, Practical Iron Moulder and Foundry Foreman. Second edition,
•with numerous illustrations, crown Svo, cloth, los. 6d.
The Maintenance of Macadamised Roads. By T,
CODRIXGTON, M.I.C.E, F.G.S., General Superintendent of County Roads
for South Wales. Svo, cloth, 6s.
Hydraiilic Steam and Hand Power Lifting and
Pressing Machinery. By FREDERICK COLYER, M. Inst. C.E., M. Inst. M.E.
With T$ plates, Svo, cloth, iSs.
P limps and Pumping Machinery. By F. COLYER,
M.I.C.E., M.I.M.E. With 23 folding plates, Svo, doth, I2s. 6d.
Tables of the Principal Speeds occurring in Mechanical
Engineering, expressed in metres in a second. By P. KEERAYEFF, Chief
Mechanic of the Obouchoff Steel Works, St. Petersburg ; translated by
SERGIUS KERN, M.E. Fcap. Svo, sewed, 6d.
Girder Making and the Practice of Bridge Building
in Wrought Iron, illustrated by Examples of Bridges, Piers, and Girder
Work, etc., constructed at the Skerne Iron Works, Darlington, by
EDWARD HUTCHINSON, M. Inst. M.E. With 35 plates, demy Svo,
cloth, icxr. 6d.
CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
Spons Dictionary of Engineering, Civil, Mechanical,
Military, and Naval; with technical terms in French, German, Italian,
and Spanish, 3100 pp., and nearly 8000 engravings, in super-royal 8vo,
in 8 divisions, 5/. &s. Complete in 3 vols., cloth, 5/. $s. Bound in a
superior manner, half-morocco, top edge gilt, 3 vols., 6/. 12s.
Seepage 15.
A Treatise on the Origin, Progress, Prevention, and
Cure of Dry Rot in Timber; with Remarks on the Means of Preserving
Wood from Destruction by Sea- Worms, Beetles, Ants, etc. By THOMAS
ALLEN BRITTON, late Surveyor to the Metropolitan Board of Works,
etc., etc. With 10 plates, crown 8vo, cloth, >js. 6d.
Metrical Tables. By G. L. MOLESWORTH, M.I.C.E.
32mo, cloth, is. 6d.
CONTENTS.
General — Linear Measures — Square Measures — Cubic Measures — Measures of Capacity —
Weights — Combinations — Thermometers.
A Handbook of Electrical Testing. By H. R.
KEMPE, Member of the Society of Telegraph Engineers. New edition,
revised and enlarged, -with 81 illustrations. Crown 8vo, cloth, I2s. 6d.
Electro -Telegraphy. By FREDERICK S. BEECHEY,
Telegraph Engineer. A Book for Beginners. Illustrated. Fcap. 8vo,
sewed, 6d.
Handrailing: by the Square Cut. By JOHN JONES,
Staircase Builder. Fourth edition, with seven plates, 8vo, cloth, 3^. 6d.
Handrailing: by the Sqiiare Cut. By JOHN JONES,
Staircase Builder. Part Second, with eight plates, 8vo, cloth, 3^. 6d.
The Gas Consumer s Handy Book. By WILLIAM
RICHARDS, C.E. Illustrated. i8mo, sewed, 6d.
Steam Heating for Buildings ; or, Hints to Steam
Fitters, being a description of Steam Heating Apparatus for Warming
and Ventilating Private Houses and large Buildings ; with Remarks on
Steam, Water, and Air in their relation to Heating ; to which are added
miscellaneous Tables. By J. W. BALDWIN, Steam Heating Engineer.
With many illustrations. Second edition, crown 8vo, cloth, iar. 6d.
PUBLISHED BY E. & F. N. S?ON.
A Pocket- Bo ok of Usefiil Formula and Memoranda
for Civil and Mechanical Engineers. By GUILFORD L. MOLESWORTH,
Mem. Inst. C.E., Consulting Engineer to the Government of India for
State Railways. With numerous illustrations, 744 pp. Twenty-first
edition, revised and enlarged, 32mo, roan, 6s.
SYNOPSIS OF CONTENTS:
Surveying, Levelling, etc.— Strength and Weight of Materials— Earthwork, Brickwork,
Masonry, Arches, etc. — Struts, Columns, Beams, and Trusses — Flooring, Roofing, and Roof
Trusses — Girders, Bridges, etc. — Railways and Roads-fHydraulic Formulae — Canals. Sewers,
Waterworks, Docks — Irrigation and Breakwaters — Gas, Ventilation, and Warming — Heat,
Light, Colour, and Sound — Gravity : Centres, Forces, and Powers — Millwork, Teeth of
Wheels, Shafting, etc. — Workshop Recipes — Sundry Machinery — Animal Power — Steam and
the Steam Engine — Water-power, Water-wheels, Turbines, etc. — Wind and Windmills —
Steam Navigation, Ship Building, Tonnage, etc. — Gunnery, Projectiles, etc. — Weights,
Measures, and Money — Trigonometry, Conic Sections, and Curves — Telegraphy — Mensura-
tion— Tables of Areas and Circumference, and Arcs of Circles — Logarithms, Square and
Cube Roots, Powers — Reciprocals, etc. — Useful Numbers — Differential and Integral Calcu-
lus—Algebraic Signs — Telegraphic Construction and Formulae.
Spans Tables and Memoranda for Engineers;
selected and arranged by J. T. HURST, C.E., Author of 'Architectural
Surveyors' Handbook,' ' Hurst's Tredgold's Carpentry,' etc. Fifth edition,
641110, roan, gilt edges, I j. ; or in cloth case, is. 6d.
This work is printed in a pearl type, and is so small, measuring only af in. by z$ in. by
i in. thick, that it may be easily carried in the waistcoat pocket.
" It is certainly an extremely rare thing for a reviewer to be called upon to notice a volume
measuring but 25 in. by if in., yet these dimensions faithfully represent the size of the handy
little book before us. The volume — which contains 118 printed pages, besides a few blank
pages for memoranda — is, in fact, a true pocket-book, adapted for being carried in the waist-
coat pocket, and containing a far greater amount and variety of information than most people
would imagine could be compressed into so small a space The little volume has been
compiled with considerable care and judgment, and we can cordially recommend it to our
readers as a useful little pocket companion." — Engineering.
Analysis, Technical Valuation, Purification and Use
of Coal Gas. By the Rev. W. R. BOWDITCH, M.A. With -wood engravings,
8vo, cloth, izs. 6d.
Condensation of Gas— Purification of Gas— Light— Measuring— Place of Testing Gas-
Test Candles — The Standard for Measuring Gas-light — Test Burners — Testing Gas for
Sulphur — Testing Gas for Ammonia — Condensation by Bromine— Gravimetric Method of
taking Specific Gravity of Gas — Carburetting or Naphthalizing Gas — Acetylene — Explosions
of Gas — Gnawing of Gaspipes by Rats — Pressure as related to Public Lighting, etc.
A Practical Treatise on Natural and Artificial
Concrete, its Varieties and Constructive Adaptations. By HENRY REID,
Author of the ' Science and Art of the Manufacture of Portland Cement.'
New Edition, with 59 woodcuts and 5 plates, 8vo, cloth, 15^.
Hydrodynamics : Treatise relative to the Testing of
Water- Wheels and Machinery, with various other matters pertaining to
Hydrodynamics. By JAMES EMERSON. With numerous illustrations,
360 pp. Third edition, crown Svo, cloth, 4_r. 6d.
CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
The Gas Analyst's Manual. By F. W. HARTLEY,
Assoc. Inst. C.E., etc. With numerous illustrations. Crown 8vo,
cloth, 6s.
Gas Measurement and Gas Meter Testing. By
F. W. HARTLEY. Fourth edition, revised and extended. Illustrated,
crown Svo, cloth, 4^.
The French- Polishers Manual. By a French-
Polisher; containing Timber Staining, Washing, Matching, Improving,
Painting, Imitations, Directions for Staining, Sizing, Embodying,
Smoothing, Spirit Varnishing, French-Polishing, Directions for Re-
polishing. Third edition, royal 32mo, sewed, 6d.
Hops, their Cultivation^ Commerce, and Uses in
various Countries. By P. L. SIMMONDS. Crown Svo, cloth, qs. 6d.
A Practical Treatise on the Mamtfacticre and Distri-
bution of Coal Gas. By WILLIAM RICHARDS. Demy 4to, with numerotis
wood engravings and 29 plates^ cloth, 2&s.
SYNOPSIS. OF CONTENTS:
Introduction — History of Gas Lighting — Chemistry of Gas Manufacture, by Lewis
Thompson, Esq., M.R.C.S. — Coal, with Analyses, by J. Paterson, Lewis Thompson, and
G. R. Hislop, Esqrs. — Retorts, Iron and Clay — Retort Setting — Hydraulic Main — Con-
densers— Exhausters — Washers and Scrubbers — Purifiers — Purification — History of Gas
Holder — Tanks, Brick and Stone, Composite, Concrete, Cast-iron, Compound Annular
Wrpught-iron — Specifications — Gas Holders — Station Meter — Governor — Distribution —
Mains — Gas Mathematics, or Formulas for the Distribution of Gas, by Lewis Thompson, Esq. —
Services — Consumers' Meters — Regulators — Burners — Fittings — Photometer — Carburization
of Gas — Air Gas and Water Gas — Composition of Coal Gas, by Lewis Thompson, Esq. —
Analyses of Gas — Influence of Atmospheric Pressure and Temperature on Gas — Residual
Products — Appendix — Description of Retort Settings, Buildings, etc., etc.
Practical Geometry and Engineering Drawing ; a
Course of Descriptive Geometry adapted to the Requirements of the
Engineering Draughtsman, including the .determination of cast shadows
and Isometric Projection, each chapter being followed by numerous
examples ; to which are added rules for Shading Shade-lining, etc.,
together with practical instructions as to the Lining, Colouring, Printing,
and general treatment of Engineering Drawings, with a chapter on
drawing Instruments. By GEORGE S. CLARKE, Lieut. R.E., Instructor
in Mechanical Drawing, Royal Indian Engineering College. 20 plates,
4to, cloth, 15^.
The Elements of Graphic Statics. By Professor
KARL VON OTT, translated from the German by G. S. CLARKE, Lieut.
R.E., Instructor in Mechanical Drawing, Royal Indian Engineering
College. With 93 illustrations, crown Svo, cloth, 5-y.
The Principles of Graphic Statics. By GEORGE
SYDENHAM CLARKE, Lieut. Royal Engineers. With 112 illustrations.
4to, cloth, I2s. 6d.
PUBLISHED BY E. & F. N. SPON.
The New Formula for Mean Velocity of Discharge
of Rivers and Canals. By W. R. KUTTER. Translated from articles in
the ' Cultur-Ingenieur,' by Lowis D'A. JACKSON, Assoc. Inst. C.E.
8vo, cloth, I2s. 6d.
Practical Hydraulics ; a Series of Rules and Tables
for the use of Engineers, etc., etc. By THOMAS Box. Fifth edition,
numerotis plates, post 8vo, cloth, $s.
A Practical Treatise on the Construction of Hori-
zontal and Vertical Waterwheels, specially designed for the use of opera-
tive mechanics. By WILLIAM CULLEN, Millwright and Engineer. With
II plates. Second edition, revised and enlarged, small 4to, cloth, I2s.6d.
Aid Book to Engineering Enterprise Abroad. By
EWING MATHESON, M. Inst. C.E. The book treats of Public Works
and Engineering Enterprises in their inception and preliminary arrange-
ment ; of the different modes in which money is provided for their
accomplishment ; and of the economical and technical considerations by
which success or failure is determined. The information necessary to
the designs of Engineers is classified, as are also those particulars by
which Contractors may estimate the cost of works, and Capitalists the
probabilities of profit. Illustrated, 2 vols., 8vo, I2J-. 6d. each.
The Essential Elements of Practical Mechanics ;
based on the Principle of Work, designed for Engineering Students. By
OLIVER BYRNE, formerly Professor of Mathematics, College for Civil
Engineers. Third edition, with 148 tuood engravings, post 8vo, cloth,
CONTENTS :
Chap. i. How Work is Measured by a Unit, both with and without reference to a Unit
of Time — Chap. 2. The Work of Living Agents, the Influence of Friction, and introduces
one of the most beautiful Laws of Motion — Chap. 3. The principles expounded in the first and
second chapters are applied to the Motion of Bodies — Chap. 4. The Transmission of Work by
simple Machines — Chap. 5. Useful Propositions and Rules.
The Practical Millwrights and Engineers Ready
Reckoner; or Tables for finding the diameter and power of cog-wheels,
diameter, weight, and power of shafts, diameter and strength of bolts, etc.
By THOMAS DIXON. Fourth edition, I2mo, cloth, 3.?.
Breweries and Mailings : their Arrangement, Con-
struction, Machinery, and Plant. By G. SCAMELL, F.R.I.B.A. Second
edition, revised, enlarged, and partly rewritten. By F. COLYER, M.I.C.E.,
M.I.M.E. With 20 plates, 8vo, cloth, iSs.
A Practical Treatise on the Manufacture of Starchy
Glucose, Starch-Sitgar, and Dextrine, based on the German of L. Von
Wagner, Professor in the Royal Technical School, Buda Pesth, and
other authorities. By JULIUS FRANKEL ; edited by ROBERT HUTTER,
proprietor of the Philadelphia Starch Works. With 58 illustrations •,
344 pp., 8vo, cloth, i8j.
io CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
A Practical Treatise on Mill-gearing, Wheels, Shafts,
Riggers, etc. ; for the use of Engineers. By THOMAS Box. Third
edition, with 1 1 plates. Crown 8vo, cloth, 'js. 6d.
Mining Machinery: a Descriptive Treatise on the
Machinery, Tools, and other Appliances used in Mining. By G. G.
ANDRE, F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E., Mem. of the Society of Engineers.
Royal 4to, uniform with the Author's Treatise on Coal Mining, con-
taining 182 plates, accurately drawn to scale, with descriptive text, in
2 VOls., cloth, 3/. I2J.
CONTENTS :
Machinery for Prospecting, Excavating, Hauling, and Hoisting — Ventilation — Pumping —
Treatment of Mineral Products, including Gold and Silver, Copper, Tin, and Lead, Iron,
Coal, Sulphur, China Clay, Brick Earth, etc.
Tables for Setting out Ciirves for Railways, Canals,
Roads, eta, varying from a radius of five chains to three miles. By A.
KENNEDY and R. W. HACKWOOD. Ilhistrated, 32mo, cloth, 2s. 6d.
The Science and Art of the Manufactiire of Portland
Cement, with observations on some of its constructive applications. With
66 illustrations. By HENRY REID, C.E., Author of 'A Practical
Treatise on Concrete,' etc., etc. 8vo, cloth, i8.r.
The Draughtsman s Handbook of Plan and Map
Drawing; including instructions for the preparation of Engineering,
Architectural, and Mechanical Drawings. With mimerous illustrations
in the text, and 33 plates (15 printed in colours}. By G. G. ANDRE,
F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E. 410, cloth, 9^.
CONTENTS :
The Drawing Office and its Furnishings — Geometrical Problems — Lines, Dots, and their
Combinations — Colours, Shading, Lettering, Bordering, and North Points — Scales — Plotting
— Civil Engineers' and Surveyors' Plans — Map Drawing — Mechanical and Architectural
Drawing — Copying and Reducing Trigonometrical Formulae, etc., etc.
The B oiler-maker s andiron Ship-builder s Companion,
comprising a series of original and carefully calculated tables, of the
utmost utility to persons interested in the iron trades. By JAMES FODEN,
author of ' Mechanical Tables,' etc. Second edition revised, with illustra-
tions, crown 8vo, cloth, 5-r.
Rock Blasting: a Practical Treatise on the means
employed in Blasting Rocks for Industrial Purposes. By G. G. ANDRE,
F.G.S., Assoc. Inst. C.E. With 56 illustrations and 12 plates, 8vo, cloth,
ioj. 6d.
Surcharged and different Forms of Retaining Walls.
By J. S. TATE. Illustrated, 8vo, sewed, 2s.
PUBLISHED BY E. & F. N. SPON. n
A Treatise on Ropemaking as practised in public and
private Rope-yards, with a Description of the Manufacture, Rules, Tables
of Weights, etc., adapted to the Trade, Shipping, Mining, Railways,
Builders, etc. By R. CHAPMAN, formerly foreman to. Messrs. Huddart
and Co., Limehouse, and late Master Ropemaker to 'H.M. Dockyard,
Deptford. Second edition, I2mo, cloth, 3^.
Laxtons Builders and Contractors Tables ; for the
use of Engineers, Architects, Surveyors, Builders, Land Agents, and
others. Bricklayer, containing 22 tables, with nearly 30,000 calculations.
4to, cloth, 5-r.
Laxtons Builders and Contractors Tables. Ex-
cavator, Earth, Land, Water, and Gas, containing 53 tables, with nearly
24,000 calculations. 4to, cloth, 5^.
Sanitary Engineering: a Guide to the Construction
of Works of Sewerage and House Drainage, with Tables for facilitating
the calculations of the Engineer. By BALDWIN LATHAM, C.E., M. Inst.
C.E., F.G.S., F.M.S., Past-President of the Society of Engineers. Second
edition, with numerous plates and "woodcuts, 8vo, cloth, I/, icw.
Screw Cutting Tables for Engineers and Machinists,
giving the values of the different trains of Wheels required to produce
Screws of any pitch, calculated by Lord Lindsay, M.P., F.R.S., F.R.A.S.,
etc. Royal 8vo, cloth, oblong, 2s.
Screw Cutting Tables, for the use of Mechanical
Engineers, showing the proper arrangement of Wheels for cutting the
Threads of Screws of any required pitch, with a Table for making the
Universal Gas-pipe Threads and Taps. By W. A. MARTIN, Engineer.
Second edition, royal 8vo, oblong, cloth, is., or sewed, 6J.
A Treatise on a Practical Method of Designing Slide-
Valve Gears by Simple Geometrical Construction, based upon the principles
enunciated in Euclid's Elements, and comprising the various forms of
Plain Slide- Valve and Expansion Gearing ; together with Stephenson's,
Gooch's, and Allan's Link-Motions, as applied either to reversing or to
variable expansion combinations. By EDWARD ]. COWLING \VELCH,
Memb. Inst. Mechanical Engineers. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
Cleaning and Scouring : a Manual for Dyers, Laun-
dresses, and for Domestic Use. By S. CHRISTOPHER. i8mo, sewed, 6</.
A Handbook of House Sanitation ; for the use of all
persons seeking a Healthy Home, A reprint of those portions of Mr.
Bailey-Denton's Lectures on Sanitary Engineering, given before the
School of Military Engineering, which related to the "Dwelling,"
enlarged and revised by his Son, E. F. BAILEY-DENTON, C.E., B.A.
With 140 illustrations, Svo, cloth, Ss. 6d.
12 CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
Treatise on Valve-Gears, with special consideration
of the Link-Motions of Locomotive Engines. By Dr. GUSTAV ZEUNER.
Third edition, revised and enlarged, translated from the German, with the
special permission of the author, by MORITZ MULLER. Plates, 8vo,
cloth, 12s. 6d.
A Pocket-Book for Boiler Makers and Steam Users,
comprising a variety of useful information for Employer and Workman,
Government Inspectors, Board of Trade Surveyors, Engineers in charge
of Works and Slips, Foremen of Manufactories, and the general Steam-
using Public. By MAURICE JOHN SEXTON. Second edition, royal
32mo, roan, gilt edges, $s.
The Strains upon Bridge Girders and Roof Trusses,
including the Warren, Lattice, Trellis, Bowstring, and 'other Forms of
Girders, the Curved Roof, and Simple and Compound Trusses. By
THOS. CARGILL, C.E.B.A.T., C.D., Assoc. Inst. C.E., Member of the
Society of Engineers. With 64 illustrations, draiun and worked out to scale,
8vo, cloth, I2s. 6d.
A Practical Treatise on the Steam Engine, con-
taining Plans and Arrangements of Details for Fixed Steam Engines,
with Essays on the Principles involved in Design and Construction. By
ARTHUR RIGG, Engineer, Member of the Society of Engineers and of
the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Demy 4to, copiously illustrated
» with woodcuts and 96 plates, in one Volume, half-bound morocco, 2.1. 2s. •
or cheaper edition, cloth, 25^.
This work is not, in any sense, an elementary treatise, or history of the steam engine, but
is intended to describe examples of Fixed Steam Engines without entering into the wide
domain of locomotive or marine practice. To this end illustrations will be given of the most
recent arrangements of Horizontal, Vertical, Beam, Pumping, Winding, Portable, Semi-
portable, Corliss, Allen, Compound, and other similar Engines, by the most eminent Firms in
Great Britain and America. The laws relating to the action and precautions to be observed
in the construction of the various details, such as Cylinders, Pistons, Piston-rods, Connecting-
rods, Cross-heads, Motion-blocks, Eccentrics, Simple, Expansion, Balanced, and Equilibrium
Slide-valves, and Valve-gearing will be minutely dealt with. In this connection will be found
articles upon the Velocity of Reciprocating Parts and the Mode of Applying the Indicator,
Heat and Expansion of Steam Governors, and the like. It is the writer's desire to draw
illustrations from every possible source, and give only those rules that present practice deems
correct.
Barlow s Tables of Squares, Cubes, Square Roots,
Cube Roots, Reciprocals of all Integer Numbers up to 10,000. Post 8vo,
cloth, 6s.
Camus (M.) Treatise on the Teeth of Wheels, demon-
strating the best forms which can be given to them for the purposes of
Machinery, such as Mill-work and Clock-work, and the art of finding
their numbers. Translated from the French, with details of the present
practice of Millwrights, Engine Makers, and other Machinists, by
ISAAC HAWKINS. Third edition, with iS -plates, 8vo, cloth, 5*.
PUBLISHED BY JE. & F. N. SPON. 13
A Practical Treatise on the Science of Land and
Engineering Surveying, Levelling, Estimating Quantities, etc., with a
general description of the several Instruments required for Surveying,
Levelling, Plotting, etc. By H. S. MERRETT. Third edition, 41 plates
with illustrations and tables, royal 8vo, cloth, 1 2 s. 6d.
PRINCIPAL CONTENTS :
Part i. Introduction and the Principles of Geometry. Part 2. Land Surveying; com-
prising General Observations — The Chain — Offsets Surveying by the Chain only — Surveying
Hilly Ground — To Survey an Estate or Parish by the Chain only — Surveying with the
Theodolite — Mining and Town Surveying — Railroad Surveying — Mapping — Division and
Laying out of Land — Observations on Enclosures — Plane Trigonometry. Part 3. Levelling —
Simple and Compound Levelling — The Level Book — Parliamentary Plan and Section —
Levelling with a Theodolite — Gradients — Wooden Curves — To Lay out a Railway Curve —
Setting out Widths. Part 4. Calculating Quantities generally for Estimates — Cuttings and
Embankments — Tunnels— Brickwork — Ironwork — Timber Measuring. Part 5. Description
and Use of Instruments in Surveying and Plotting — The Improved Dumpy Level — Troughton's
Level — The Prismatic Compass — Proportional Compass — Box Sextant — Vernier — Panta-
graph — Merrett's Improved Quadrant — Improved Computation Scale — The Diagonal Scale —
Straight Edge and Sector. Part 6. Logarithms of Numbers — Logarithmic Sines and
Co-Sines, Tangents and Co-Tangents — Natural Sines and Co-Sines — Tables for Earthwork,
for Setting out Curves, and for various Calculations, etc., etc., etc.
Saws: the History,. Development, Action, Classifica-
tion, and Comparison of Saws of all kinds. By ROBERT GRIMSHAW.
With 220 illustrations, 4to, cloth, 12s. 6d.
A Siipplement to the above ; containing additional
practical matter, more especially relating to the forms of Saw Teeth for
special material and conditions, and to the behaviour of Saws under
particular conditions. With 120 illustrations, cloth, gs.
A Guide for the Electric Testing of Telegraph Cables.
By Capt. V. HOSKICER, Royal Danish Engineers. With illustrations,
second edition, crown Svo, cloth, 4^. 6d.
Laying and Repairing Electric Telegraph Cables. By
Capt. V. HOSKICER,, Royal Danish Engineers. Crown Svo, cloth,
3J. 6d.
A Pocket-Book of Practical Rules for the Proportions
of Modern Engines and Boilers for Land and Marine purposes. By N. P.
BURGH. Seventh edition, royal 32010, roan, 4^-. 6d.
Table of Logarithms of the Natural Numbers^ from
i to 108,000. By CHARLES BABBAGE, Esq., M.A. Stereotyped edition,
royal Svo, cloth, 7.5-. 6d.
To ensure the correctness of these Tables of Logarithms, they were compared with Callett's,
Vega's, Hutton's, Briggs', Gardiner's, and Taylor's Tables of Logarithms, and carefully read
by nine different readers ; and further, to remove any possibility of an error remaining, the
stereotyped sheets were hung up in the Hall at Cambridge University, and a reward offered
to anyone who could find an inaccuracy. So correct are these Tables, that since their first
issue in 1827 no error has been discovered.
14 CATALOGUE OF SCIENTIFIC BOOKS
The Steam Engine considered as a Heat Engine : a
Treatise on the Theory of the Steam Engine, illustrated by Diagrams,
Tables, and Examples from Practice. By JAS. H. COTTERILL, M.A.,
F.R.S., Professor of Applied Mechanics in the Royal Naval College.
8vo, cloth, I2s. 6d.
The Practice of Hand Turning in Wood, Ivory, Shell,
etc., with Instructions for Turning such Work in Metal as may be required
in the Practice of Turning in Wood, Ivory, etc. ; also an Appendix on
Ornamental Turning. (A book for beginners.) By FRANCIS CAMPIN.
Second edition, with wood engravings, crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.
CONTENTS :
On Lathes — Turning Tools — Turning Wood — Drilling — Screw Cutting — Miscellaneous
Apparatus and Processes — Turning Particular Forms — Staining — Polishing — Spinning Metals
— Materials — Ornamental Turning, etc.
Health and Comfort in House Building, or Ventila-
tion with Warm Air by Self-Acting Suction Power, with Review of the
mode of Calculating the Draught in Hot- Air Flues, and with some actual
Experiments. By J. DRYSDALE, M.D., and J. W. HAYWARD, M.D.
Second edition, with Supplement, with plates, demy 8vo, cloth, *]s. 6d.
Treatise on Watchwork, Past and Present. By the
Rev. H. L. NELTHROPP, M.A., F.S.A. With 32 illustrations, crown
8vo, cloth, 6s. 6d.
CONTENTS :
Definitions of Words and Terms used in Watchwork — Tools — Time — Historical Sum-
mary— On Calculations of the Numbers for Wheels and Pinions; their Proportional Sizes,
Trains, etc. — Of Dial Wheels, or Motion Work — Length of Time of Going without Winding
up — The Verge— The Horizontal — The Duplex — The Lever — The Chronometer — Repeating
Watches— Keyless Watches— The Pendulum, or Spiral Spring — Compensation — Jewelling of
Pivot Holes — Clerkenwell — Fallacies of the Trade — Incapacity of Workmen — How to Choose
and Use a Watch, etc.
Spans Engineers' and Contractors Illustrated Book
of Prices of Machines, Tools, Ironwork, and Contractors' Material^
and Engineers' Directory. Third edition, 4to, cloth, 6s.
Algebra Self-Taught. By W. P. HIGGS, M.A.,
D.Sc., LL.D., Assoc. Inst C.E., Author of ' A Handbook of the Differ-
ential Calculus,' etc. Second edition, crown 8vo, cloth, zs. 6d.
CONTENTS :
Symbols and the Signs of Operation— The Equation and the Unknown Quantity-
Positive and Negative Quantities — Multiplication — Involution — Exponents — Negative Expo-
nents— Roots, and the Use of Exponents as Logarithms — Logarithms — Tables of Logarithms
and Proportionate Parts — Transformation of System of Logarithms — Common Uses of
Common Logarithms — Compound Multiplication "and the Binomial Theorem— Division,
Fractions, and Ratio — Continued Proportion — The Series and the Summation of the Series —
Limit of Series — Square and Cube Roots — Equations — List of Formula, etc.
PUBLISHED BY E. & F. N. SPON.
JUST PUBLISHED.
In super-royal 8vo, 1168 pp., -with 2400 illustrations, in 3 Divisions, cloth, price
each ; or i vol., cloth, a/. ; or half-morocco, a/. 8s.
A SUPPLEMENT
SPONS' DICTIONARY OF ENGINEERING,
anb
EDITED BY ERNEST SPON, MEMB. Soc. ENGINEERS.
THE success which has attended the publication of ' SPONS' DICTIONARY OF
ENGINEERING' has encouraged the Publishers to use every effort tending to
keep the work up to the standard of existing professional knowledge. As the
Book has now been some years before the public without addition or revision,
there are many subjects of importance which, of necessity, are either not
included in its pages, or have been treated somewhat less fully than their
present importance demands. With the object, therefore, of remedying these
omissions, this Supplement is now being issued. Each subject in it is treated
in a thoroughly comprehensive way ; but, of course, without repeating the
information already included in the body of the work.
The new matter comprises articles upon
Abacus, Counters, Speed
Indicators, and Slide
Rule.
Agricultural Implements
and Machinery.
Air Compressors.
Animal Charcoal Ma-
chinery.
Antimony.
Axles and Axle-boxes.
Barn Machinery.
Belts and Belting.
Blasting. Boilers.
Brakes.
Brick Machinery.
Bridges.
Cages for Mines.
Calculus, Differential and
Integral.
Canals.
Carpentry.
Cast Iron.
Cement, Concrete,
Limes, and Mortar.
Chimney Shafts.
Coal Cleansing and
Washing.
Coal Mining.
Coal Cutting Machines.
Coke Ovens. Copper.
Docks. Drainage.
Dredging Machinery.
Dynamo - Electric and
Magneto-Electric Ma-
chines.
Dynamometers.
Electrical Engineering,
Telegraphy, Electric
Lighting and its prac-
ticaldetails,Telephones
Engines, Varieties of.
Explosives. Fans.
Founding, Moulding and
the practical work of
the Foundry.
Gas, Manufacture of.
Hammers, Steam and
other Power.
Heat. Horse Power.
Hydraulics.
Hydro-geology.
Indicators. Iron.
Lifts, Hoists, and Eleva-
tors.
Lighthouses, Buoys, and
Beacons.
Machine Tools.
Materials of Construc-
tion.
Meters.
Ores, Machinery and
Processes employed to
Dress.
Piers.
Pile Driving.
Pneumatic Transmis-
sion.
Pumps.
Pyrometers.
Road Locomotives.
Rock Drills.
Rolling Stock.
Sanitary Engineering.
Shafting.
Steel.
Steam Navvy.
Stone Machinery.
Tramways.
Well Sinking.
NOW COMPLETE.
With nearly 1500 illustrations, in super-royal Svo, in 5 Divisions, cloth.
Divisions I to 4, 13^. 6d. each ; Division 5, 17.$-. 6d. ; or 2 vols., cloth, £3 IQJ.
SPONS' ENCYCLOPEDIA
OF THE
INDUSTRIAL ARTS, MANUFACTURES, AND COMMERCIAL
PRODUCTS.
EDITED BY C. G. WARNFORD LOCK, F.L.S.
Among the more important of the subjects treated of, are the
following : —
Acids, 207 pp. 220 figs.
Fur, 5 pp.
Photography, 13 pp. 20
Alcohol, 23 pp. 1 6 figs.
Gas, Coal, 8 pp.
figs.
Alcoholic Liquors, 13 pp.
Gems.
Pigments, 9 pp. 6 figs.
Alkalies, 89 pp. 78 figs.
Glass, 45 pp. 77 figs.
Pottery, 46 pp. 57 figs.
Alloys. Alum.
Graphite, 7 pp.
Printing and Engraving,
Asphalt. Assaying.
Hair, 7 pp.
20 pp. 8 figs.
Beverages, 89 pp. 29 figs.
Hair Manufactures.
Rags.
Blacks.
Hats, 26 pp. 26 figs.
Resinous and Gummy
Bleaching Powder, 15 pp.
Honey. Hops.
Substances, 75 pp. 16
Bleaching, 51 pp. 48 figs.
Horn.
figs.
Candles, 18 pp. 9 figs.
Carbon Bisulphide.
Ice, 10 pp. 14 figs.
Indiarubber Manufac-
Rope, 16 pp. 17 figs.
Salt, 31 pp. 23 figs.
Celluloid, 9 pp.
tures, 23 pp. 17 figs.
Silk, 8 pp.
Cements. Clay.
Ink, 17 pp.
Silk Manufactures, 9 pp.
Coal-tar Products, 44 pp.
Ivory.
II figs.
14 figs.
Jute Manufactures, 1 1
Skins, 5 pp.
Cocoa, 8 pp.
pp., II figs.
Small Wares, 4 pp.
Coffee, 32 pp. 13 figs.
Knitted Fabrics —
Soap and Glycerine, 39
Cork, 8 pp. 17 figs.
Hosiery, 15 pp. 13 figs.
pp. 45 figs.
Cotton Manufactures, 62
Lace, 13 pp. 9 figs.
Spices, 16 pp.
pp. 57 figs.
Leather, 28 pp. 31 figs.
Sponge, 5 pp.
Drugs, 38 pp.
Linen Manufactures, 16
Starch, 9 pp. 10 figs.
Dyeing and Calico
pp. 6 figs.
Sugar, 155 pp. 134
Printing, 28 pp. 9 figs.
Manures, 21 pp. 30 figs.
figs-
Dyestuffs, 16 pp.
Matches, 17 pp. 38 figs.
Sulphur.
Electro-Metallurgy, 13
Mordants, 13 pp.
Tannin, 1 8 pp.
pp.
Narcotics, 47 pp.
Tea, 12 pp.
Explosives, 22 pp. 33 figs.
Nuts, 10 pp.
Timber, 13 pp.
Feathers.
Oils and Fatty Sub-
Varnish, 15 pp.
Fibrous Substances, 92
stances, 125 pp.
Vinegar, 5 pp.
pp. 79 figs.
Paint.
Wax, 5 pp.
Floor-cloth, 1 6 pp. 21
Paper, 26 pp. 23 figs.
Wool, 2 pp.
figs.
Paraffin, 8 pp. 6 figs.
Woollen Manufactures,
Food Preservation, 8 pp.
Pearl and Coral, 8 pp.
58 pp. 39 figs.
Fruit, 8 pp.
Perfumes, 10 pp.
London: E. & F. N. SPON, 16, Charing Cross.
New York : 35, Murray Street.
8 5
U.C. BERKELEY LIBRARIES